Bath and North East Somerset Homelessness Prevention Pathway Services - Floating Support

The Mental Health Support Service, managed by Second Step Housing Association, provides floating support to individuals with mental health needs who require assistance to maintain or gain accommodation. Delivered in clients' homes, community settings, supported housing offices, or other agreed venues, the service operates within a Trauma-Informed Care framework.

Support duration varies from one-off advice to 3-24 months casework, or occasional support as needed.

Key support tasks include:

• Signposting and support to access health, mental health, and legal services
• Support with harassment, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, and related issues
• Liaison and advocacy for statutory mental health services
• Comprehensive, co-produced risk assessments and holistic, person-centred support plans
• Support for financial wellbeing, debt management, benefit claims, and tenancy maintenance
• Move-on support to set up tenancies or prevent Homeless Pathway use
• Information and support to Homeless Pathway lead workers for managing mental health crises

The service addresses critical needs, with mental health issues affecting 1 in 4 UK adults and contributing to housing instability. By fostering tenancy stability and mental health, it reduces pressure on B&NES housing, NHS, and social care systems, particularly by preventing reliance on the Homeless Pathway.