CHART - What We Do
Summary
- We work with people with mental health problems who are also experiencing difficulties with their accommodation
- We offer advice and information on the types of housing and supported accommodation that is available.
- We work closely with Registered Social Landlords and private landlords.
- We assist in identifying placements in group homes, residential and nursing homes
- We assist in finding emergency hostel accommodation for homeless people.
- We work closely with service-users, their carers and families, and the specialist mental health teams that support them.
- We assess the level of support that may be required in any new accommodation
- We help with applications for housing, benefit claims, budgeting loans and other grants
- We help to develop new accommodation projects throughout Sefton
Click here to download a copy of our service leaflet.
Further Information About What We Do
CHART works to resolve accommodation and support needs for Sefton residents who are experiencing, or have experienced a severe and enduring mental illness. It is a small team, hosted by Crosby Housing Association, based in Waterloo. Crosby Housing Association, has an excellent track record in developing and delivering specialist services to address unmet needs within the borough for over fifty years.
CHART deals with some of the most difficult and vulnerable people in society. It has developed a multi-agency approach, working closely with police, housing, probation, drug and alcohol agencies and support agencies to detect and address problems early in order to prevent crisis.
CHART has improved access to accommodation for many service users and homeless people and it has successfully challenged stigma and discrimination across Sefton.
Mental ill health is often cited as a reason for tenancy breakdown with housing problems often given as a reason for readmission to acute care. Unsuitable accommodation can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, physical health problems and strained relationships. These housing issues have a disproportionate affect upon people with mental health problems. Without a settled place to live, access to treatment, recovery and greater social inclusion is impeded and service users are more likely to demand help from crisis services such as A&E and Stepped-Up Care.
Having a suitable place to live has always been central to CHART’s philosophy. The team understands the significance of settled accommodation in terms of improving the health and wellbeing of this client group and it has delivered sustainable, often independent, tenancies for many people who had been in expensive residential accommodation for significant periods of time.
CHART achieves positive outcomes by intervening early to address homelessness and housing problems that can develop into much more difficult issues to resolve if just left. CHART intervention speeds up hospital discharge, promotes independent living and encourages move on from supported placements when appropriate to ensure people aren’t stuck in often expensive, inappropriate placements.
The positive work of CHART delivers services by working in partnership with a wide range of agencies and receives referrals from various sources. CHART contributes towards the wider health economy.