Dozens of Nottingham people ‘facing unsuitable care’ if mental health accommodation closes

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Damian Bower has lived at Hughendon Lodge for a year.

By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

The planned closure of a supported housing service in Nottingham will push dozens of people with mental health problems into unsuitable care, managers warn.

Hughendon Lodge in Mapperley and the Crescent in Hyson Green are two mental health services expected to close after Nottingham City Council announced plans to cut their funding.

Between them they offer accommodation and support for up to 52 people with mental health problems.

The yearly cost for both services is around £634,000, which is fully paid for by Nottingham City Council.

Both are run by Framework Housing Association, a Nottingham-based charity offering support for the homeless, with referrals coming from the council.

If the council’s funding stops, both centres will have to close.

Sue Waterston, service manager at Hughendon Lodge.

Sue Waterston, service manager at Hughendon Lodge, said she felt like she had been “punched in the stomach” after hearing of the council’s plans.

She said: “Once again it’s the vulnerable in society who are being left behind.”

She added it was a “short-sighted” decision by the council, and closure would lead to a rise in rough sleeping and more demand on services like the NHS.

She said: “When this place closes, people will either be passed back to the hospitals again, where there are no beds – I have no idea how they’re going to manage that – or elsewhere.

“It’s passing the buck, within a year I can foretell [the council] will be saying ‘oh dear this was a mistake’- the council itself has admitted there is a shortage of supported living accommodation, yet they’re closing this place down.”

Damian Bower’s bedroom at Hughendon Lodge.

Damian Bowers, 49, has stayed at Hughendon Lodge for a year, and is getting support for alcohol addiction.

He previously worked as a nurse for 18 years and praised staff at the centre.

He said: “It’s hard to put into words how much this place has done for me.

“I enjoyed working, I worked all my life, I want to get back out there, I want the self worth, the independence – [my confidence] is coming back slowly, it’s not going to be quick.”

Framework and residents say they have heard “absolutely nothing” from the council – other than the fact it is at risk of losing the funding.

A display made by the homes’ residents calling for it to be saved.

Damian added: “If the services are cut and we’re moved, we’ve not got a roof, we will be moved somewhere where we will possibly be on our own.

“If we are moved to places that aren’t appropriate, what will happen to us if we’re struggling with life, surrounded by people that aren’t as supportive, without support workers?

“I fear the worst for myself and others… I’ve been hospitalised five times through this, so I’m scared that might happen again and I’ll make one silly decision where the voice of reason isn’t strong enough.”

Andrew Redfern, Chief Executive of Framework, said: “There is a clear risk that many of these residents will find themselves homeless with the potential for inappropriate placements in hotels or even night shelters that lack the capacity to meet their needs.

“Experience indicates that this creates a serious safeguarding concern, and could easily result in the kind of mental health crisis that necessitates hospital admission. One person has already been held under the mental health act after the uncertainty triggered a deterioration.”

Mr Redfern says the de-commissioning of the sites will “create an enormous gap” in services, leading to more strain on other services such as housing, the police and employment.

The conservatory room at Hughendon Lodge is decorated with residents’ artwork.

A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “The Council takes its statutory responsibilities under the Care Act extremely seriously. While we cannot comment on individual cases, it’s important to stress every resident at the accommodation in question has either already received or is being offered an assessment to determine and support any eligible needs.

“Additionally, we are actively assisting those who do not meet the Care Act threshold by directing them to appropriate services.

“The decision to terminate the contract was not driven by budget cuts. It is common practice to review contracts regularly and issue notice if we believe they are no longer delivering best value or if the needs of residents change.

“The Council must ensure its resources are used effectively, providing value for money, minimising voids, and maximising support for those with eligible needs.”

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