Camden pledges to provide new supported living flats
Camden Council is set to provide an additional 12 supported living flats for people with complex long-term mental health needs – as part of our ongoing commitment to investing in mental health services, and an extension of our progressive health and social care integration programme. The flats will support residents to live independent, active and fulfilled lives, in partnership with One Housing Group and Camden and Islington Foundation Trust.
The pioneering plans will provide clinical support, social care and housing under one roof – keeping more people out of hospital wards and care homes, while meeting an increasing demand for mental health services.
The new flats will be based in King’s Cross and will be modelled on Camden’s current supported living accommodation at Tile House – which has been recognised nationally as a model of best practice for supporting people with complex mental health needs.
Staffed 24-hours-a-day, the self-contained one-bedroom flats are designed to the same specification as private units – and provide each resident with their own kitchen and bathroom.
Councillor Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“We are confident that these flats will help residents make the transition towards independent living in the Borough. For many, this will be the first time in a very long time they will be out of care homes or hospitals, and have their own independent living space and a front door.
“These flats will provide a high level of support for residents who need it most, and offer a far better alternative than what has previously been available to people with enduring and complex mental health needs. They will also help people to develop strong links with the local community.
“I believe these plans are the future model of best practise for local authorities and health services that provide mental health support for people with a high level of need – and Camden are at the forefront of delivering this.”
The new flats will be up and running in May 2016. Camden currently spends £553,800 per annum on the 15 supported living flats we provide in the Borough, and with the additional 12 this will increase to £985, 000 per anum.