Impact of a tenancy health check

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how loneliness and other mental health problems in older local authority housing tenants can be identified and addressed. Design/methodology/approach A tenancy health check form to identify health and well-being issues was developed by housing and public health for use in a rolling programme of housing officer visits to elderly tenants. This form facilitated enquiries on loneliness, social isolation and mental health as part of a supportive conversation. Individuals identified as being lonely were signposted to a range of community activities and social groups, and for some, ongoing support via telephone was provided by the housing officer. Findings The tenancy health check helped identify loneliness in this population group and enabled signposting to an increased number of local community activities. In addition to improved individual well-being, social capital has been strengthened through the creation of community networks. Practical implications Use of a health check form during housing officer visits provides a low-cost means of identifying health and well-being issues in vulnerable populations and facilitates adoption of making every contact count approaches by social housing providers. Originality/value This case study demonstrates the scope to provide holistic support for social housing tenants through better connections between public sector and community organisations.