At least one, and sometimes two, Julian Housing Link workers are attached to each psychiatric acute ward in Norfolk. The service was developed because we recognised that often people are admitted to hospital because their housing difficulties are impacting on their mental health. Problems can seem insurmountable. Often a timely intervention could stop matters deteriorating, thus preventing a lengthy admission.

The Link Workers make contact with clients as early on in the admission as possible.

The workers will meet with a client on the ward, and together they will undertake a strengths based housing assessment, then make a plan together which is then shared with the wider care team. Wherever possible the client is given the necessary information and advice to help them resolve their difficulties themselves. At times, people will need much more support to resolve their difficulties. Link Workers can help the client make contact with housing providers, accompanying them to interviews, and helping them through the application process. Link workers can work with people for up to four weeks after discharge on matters to do with their housing support needs.

Patients find the service helpful, reducing their anxieties about their housing situation at a time when they are feeling particularly vulnerable. If the Link workers feel that clients need support for longer than four weeks, they can be referred to the Julian Housing Community Teams, who provide longer-term support.

Link workers work closely with all the housing providers in the area, to try and ensure that reasonable housing options are available to clients. Link workers also have limited access to interim accommodation which can be used instead of Bed & Breakfast.