Press release: HAIL housing and support plays key role in mental health recovery , says new report

Dublin October 17th – A recent independent evaluation of housing body HAIL, found that its work supplying secure affordable housing along with individually tailored support to people with enduring mental health difficulties, is helping them on their path to recovery.

Speaking at the report launch today, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly TD, said;

“I welcome and support the findings of this report, which shows such positive outcomes for clients living with mental illness and the benefits of my colleagues in the HSE working in partnership with HAIL housing. I encourage local authorities and the HSE to continue to fund HAIL services, which both prevent and reduce homelessness and support the recovery and inclusion of people with enduring mental health difficulties in local communities.”

Housing & support

CEO of HAIL (Housing Association for Integrated Living), Martina Smith said;

“Without support and integration into their community, our tenants and clients are more vulnerable to relapse and hospitalisation. This can lead to loss of tenancy and in some cases homelessness.  HAIL works to reduce this risk by providing housing, home visits and mental health recovery interventions.”

“This report shows how HAIL’s work not only benefits our tenants and clients but also helps to deliver Government priorities in terms of the provision of housing, sustaining tenancies, preventing homelessness and empowering people to live independently in the community.”

HAIL tenant, Clare Whitford said; “HAIL has given me a new lease of life and they took away the stress that goes with moving into a new area. They link in with my psychiatric team too, which is a great comfort to me and support.”

Independent Evaluation

In early 2019, HAIL commissioned Eustace Patterson Ltd to carry out an independent evaluation of its Mental Health Tenancy Sustainment Support Service.

A wide range of tenants and stakeholders including HSE mental health teams were interviewed. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with mental health teams reporting that they believed HAIL’s work has led to reduced cases of relapse and hospitalisation.

“Helping people maintain their independence and supporting them to live in the community, instead of congregated settings or hostels, represents value for money for the State” added Martina Smith.

One bedroom units

“We welcome the recent increase in funding for social housing in Budget 2020 and are very open to working in partnership with other organisations to improve the supply of one-bedroom units in particular” added Ms Smith.

HAIL manages over 370 tenancies, mostly in the Dublin area. However, the organisation plans to expand nationally over the next few years.

You can read the full report here

For more information please contact Tressan McCambridge, Communications Manager for HAIL on 086 385 4036