Rethink Mental Illness was formed almost 50 years ago by a group of people who were caring for a loved one living with schizophrenia. The charity was co-founded in 1972 by John Pringle whose son was diagnosed with schizophrenia after an article written by Pringle was published on May 9th 1970.
Their service in Stroud offers independent, quality housing to tenants with mental health needs. They support people to achieve personal goals, offer emotional and practical support with day-to-day living, and help develop skills to live independently in the community in order to build a meaningful quality of life as defined by them.
They’ve also provided training and launched local and national campaigns that have changed, and continue to change, how people and society as a whole view and behave towards people living with mental illness.
People with experience of mental illness, and those who care for them, shape their expert advice, information and training, and over 200 services. They also drive campaigning and help to run over 140 local support groups. Supporting all this life-changing work are their supporters, volunteers and staff members.
Supported group flats and housing will usually mean living in a block or group of flats or houses with other people who need some support. They may have similar support needs and may offer each other support. Often accommodation is self-contained, with shared communal areas such the lounge, utilities and garden. There should be 24-hour emergency support available if needed. Often there will be support onsite. Read more here.
The local housing department, social services or your local community mental health team can give information about supported accommodation services in the area. Or the local council website could help, see www.gov.uk/apply-for-sheltered-housing’.
If the couple mentioned in the post below this agreed to work with Rethink, neighbourhood mediation could be offered in an attempt to motivate offended locals to give them another chance. Eventually, they and their neighbours could become happier and the surrounding area more harmonious.
Stroud: amenities and economy 