Non-profit benefits those struggling with mental health issues
The not-for-profit-business is supporting the local community suffering from mental health conditions.
Written by Paul Forsythe Edited by Khadija Taboada
A small business with a big heart is doing its bit to help individuals with mental health issues.
Shropshire Association for Supported Housing (SASH), first established in 1972 aims to provide members of the community in need with a safe place to prepare or rehabilitate for independent living.
SASH has accommodation nestled in the heart of Shropshire, tenants are usually given a time span of five years, working closely with a network of support and care workers.
Paul Forsythe, Head of Housing, said: "We work closely with the care workers to ensure we identify those people who are ready to transition to independent living.
"It is important they can be responsible for any medication they need, and can demonstrate respect for themselves, the people around them and the home they live in."
All the tenants are encouraged to build friendships, develop hobbies, hone pre-existing or new skills – all things that will assist them adapt to independent life.
Paul continued to say: "It’s encouraging to see people who have struggled with mental health challenges embracing activities such as walking, fishing, even gardening, and all these things can have such a positive impact on your health generally.
"Some of the tenants have embraced the gardens at their property, and taken to growing flowers and vegetables, or they’ll enjoy just sitting in the fresh air, or cooking over a barbecue in the warmer weather."
The accommodation SASH offers is located in the following locations:
- Westgate - Bridgnorth
- Oldfield Villa - Craven Arms
- Coton Crescent - Shrewsbury
- Hotspur Street - Shrewsbury
- Darville - Shrewsbury
Each of our properties is fairly central to the town where it is located, so there is easy access to various classes and activities.
Mental health issues can come in many forms, for many reasons and with many guises. Drugs and alcohol cause many issues but also PTSD and relationship breakdowns.
SASH is a not-for-profit-business registered as a Social landlord which prides itself on providing good quality, non-invasive accommodation, promoting independence, respecting personal choices and allowing tenants the freedom to develop at their own pace.
