Making the difference

A number of the initiatives in the Older People's Project aimed to reduce the social exclusion of older people with mental health problems.

This insight document explains how, by understanding multiple needs, increasing resources and raising awareness, organisations can pioneer housing services for older people with mental health problems.

Many of the operational partners involved in the Older People's Project worked with older people with mental health problems, some diagnosed, others undiagnosed. Five developed initiatives specifically for them, focusing on ways of reducing their social exclusion. Some had to be flexible and fill the gaps that were identified during the initial scoping phase of the project with a specifically designed service.

Others found that adapting existing services to meet the needs of older people with mental health problems took time, flexibility and patience.

All reported that services for older people with mental health problems were generally underdeveloped and woefully resourced. All reflected on the importance of raising awareness of the often multiple needs of this group with statutory agencies, housing providers, voluntary sector organisations and private contractors.

Critically, many were shocked by the physical disrepair of the housing of many older people with mental health problems, while simultaneously recognising the impact that, often small, improvements can have on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Download Making the difference.