The impact of housing problems on mental health

Download the summary report now

One in five adults have suffered mental health issues in the last five years due to housing problems

Our new report reveals that the mental health of millions of people in England has suffered in the last five years because of housing problems. As a result, many have sought help from their GPs.

You can read our interviews with GPs in the summary report, as well as extracts from a survey of 3,500 adults. The independent research was undertaken on Shelter’s behalf by ComRes in January and February 2017.

Share the findings

You can use these downloads to pass on the findings to your colleagues and professional network:

How our services can help

Shelter's services are designed to advise, guide and support people with all types of housing needs, whether that means a short conversation or intensive support over several months. Helping clients address the physical and emotional impact of housing problems and homelessness is an integral part of our work.

According to our 2016 outcomes survey, 41% of our clients saw their mental health improve and 25% saw their physical health improve following Shelter’s housing-related support.

Our services:

Multiple and Complex Needs (MCN)

We can provide intensive, long-term and highly specialist casework help for MCN clients, helped by coordinated support from local partners.

More about MCN

Hospital discharge

Housing advice and resettlement support can help hospitals and health professionals plan a safe return home for patients.

More about hospital discharge service

Housing support service

This empowers our clients to keep their home and live independently, as well as helping people to access and secure a home following a period of homelessness.

More about housing support services

Specialist advice service

Delivering our housing, debt and welfare advice face to face through advice centres, outreach or by telephone.

More about specialist advice service

Specialist advice service and support

Offering housing, debt and welfare advice on a one-off or casework basis – including early intervention, multi-agency working and embedded staff.

More about advice service with support

Information and resources

Facilitating self-help via Shelter’s information resource centres, digital advice pages and web tools.

Get in touch

If you need housing advice, go to Shelter's digital advice services, or call our helpline.

If you're a commissioner and want to discuss Shelter’s services, please contact our Business Development Team. Email: bdt_projectsupport@shelter.org.uk

We’re here for everyone, but only with your help