A charity in Jersey is highlighting a concerning issue: mental health patients are at risk of losing their homes when they’re hospitalized for more than 28 days.
Recent data reveals that out of 357 mental health patients admitted between January 2023 and December 2024, 22 found themselves homeless after being discharged. This is not just a statistic; it reflects a deeper crisis affecting people’s lives. Patricia Winchester, from My Voice Jersey, is advocating for changes in the law. She argues that the current rules create hardships for those already struggling with serious mental illnesses.
Jersey’s mental health director, Andy Weir, suggested that evictions, unpaid rent, and the loss of benefits contribute to this loss of housing. Alarmingly, 12 out of 34 patients discharged without homes had lived in insecure housing even before their hospitalization.
In 2013, legislation changed to cut off housing benefits if all adults in a household were away for more than four weeks. This includes patients in hospitals. While a decision was made in 2014 to protect those hospitalized for over 28 days, the method relies on ministerial discretion rather than automatic safeguards.
Winchester emphasized that homelessness severely hinders recovery. She stated, “Twenty-eight days is a very short time for someone with severe mental health challenges. This can escalate their risk of readmission.” The lack of stable housing threatens their well-being and recovery process.
Social Security Minister Deputy Lyndsay Feltham has reassured the community that she’s taken steps to ensure those in extended hospital stays do not lose their housing benefits. “I’ve told my officers to automatically continue housing support,” she said, making it clear that maintaining housing while hospitalized is a priority.
Despite her assurances, Feltham ruled out changing the law, believing current policies can manage the situation. She explained, “People will not be losing their benefits when they go into the hospital.” Nevertheless, she acknowledges the need for better collaboration between health services and her department.
Support for mental health patients remains crucial. Research indicates that stable housing is directly linked to positive health outcomes. Experts stress that mental illness and homelessness often go hand-in-hand; addressing one can greatly impact the other.
Moreover, a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows that stable housing significantly boosts recovery rates for mental health patients. It highlights that providing support and protecting housing can decrease the chances of future hospitalizations.
The conversation surrounding mental health and housing support is ongoing. Greater community involvement and systemic changes may be necessary to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without homes when they need care the most.
Check out this related article: Discover Neuchâtel’s Innovative Mental Health Program: A Game Changer for Community Wellness
Source linkmental health,accommodation,serious mental illness,Jersey,housing benefits,income support,Patricia Winchester,partnership board
