NHS workers to get first refusal on affordable homes

Plans to give health workers first refusal on affordable housing built on surplus NHS land have been welcomed by sector representatives.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the measure at the Conservative party conference today, saying it could benefit up to 3,000 families.

The Department of Health has previously set an ambition for 26,000 new homes to be built on sold NHS land.

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The impact of housing problems on mental health

This report reveals that over the last five years one in five adults suffer mental health problems due to housing pressures. The research also surveyed the experiences of 20 GPs who highlighted the number of patients diagnosed with anxiety or depression directly due to housing issues and that GPs required greater help to support patients with housing problems.

• Report

Mental health: disabled and deaf people

This report makes recommendations to improve access to mental health services for disabled people and deaf people in London. It argues for pan-London communications support for those who are deaf or have learning disabilities and an investigation into the issues around employment, housing, crime and transport to enable disabled people and deaf people to live independent lives.

• Report

Dementia-friendly housing charter

This charter aims to help housing professions better understand dementia and how housing, its design and supporting services can help improve and maintain the wellbeing of people affected. Free registration is required in order to access the charter.

Quick Guide: Health and Housing - Transforming Urgent and Emergency Care Services in England

Jeremy Porteus, Founder and Director, Housing Learning Improvement Network (LIN), takes a look at how a new guide could help housing and health work better together.

Appropriate, decent housing can keep people well and provides an alternative to the hospital bed when they are unwell or recovering from illness.

NHS England is keen that the wider health and social care system – both commissioners and providers across acute, primary and community health settings – embrace this by working in partnership with housing organisations. Housing LIN has worked with them on a good practice guide.