People who have experienced severe mental health issues often face loss of their housing tenancies, periods in hospital and a loss of the skills and abilities to cope with daily life.

They need some help to live as fulfilling and stable lives in the community as they possibly can.

Exactly a year ago two local charities, Oxfordshire Mind and Response, got together to launch a lifeline — the Mind/Response Housing Partnership.

Both organisations have a 30-year track record in providing high quality, flexible and innovative mental health housing services. Together the organisations run a number of services aimed at different levels of need for people with mental health issues, from the most highest to those who need minimal support, including: Intensive support services to help people across the county who are recovering from mental illness and need a high level of support, to become increasingly independent with daily living. shared and self-contained homes based in Oxford city are staffed 24 hours, 7 days per week.

Transitional services focuses on recovery, independence and empowering people to progress to more independent housing within an average of two years. Accommodation is in various settings from large and small shared houses and self contained flats throughout the county and is staffed Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

The Housing Pathway Project advises, signposts, encourages and assists people in contact with Community Mental Health Teams in Oxfordshire to access independent housing.

Longer-term services are offered to people who have long-term support needs with access to charged ‘hotel services’ such as cooked meals and laundry service, and domiciliary care services as needed.There are 30 places available in shared and self-contained accommodation in Oxford city.

Currently there are places available in transitional and intensive services, so please get in touch if you know of someone who may benefit, email support@mindandresponse.org.uk or telephone 01865 397951.

Visit www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk/help/housing or response.org.uk for more information.

If you are interested in contributing to this column email Sarah Beer at voluntaryvoice@ocva.org.uk