Having someone you can rely on to help you through difficult situations is essential to a stable environment. This is what we provide in our supported housing service in Mid Sussex. Our clients each have a dedicated support worker who helps them gain independent living skills and improve their overall wellbeing. Such stability and frequent one on one support can effect great change in our clients. This was the case for Josie who came to Mid Sussex Supported Housing following a long-standing history of severe mental health issues. This is Josie’s story.
Josie is a young woman with autism who has a long-standing history of severe mental health issues including self-harm and suicide attempts. Prior to coming to MSSH, Josie had never lived by herself. Her life had been marked by instability, emotional distress, and periods of crisis. Social isolation, anxiety, and sensory challenges related to her autism often made daily tasks overwhelming. She was heavily reliant on external services and struggled to manage her mental health independently.
From the moment Josie arrived, staff worked closely with her to build trust and provide tailored support. A personalised support plan was put in place that focused on developing essential life skills and understanding tenancy responsibilities, whilst also prioritising her emotional well-being. The consistency of supported housing provided a sense of safety and routine that allowed her to begin developing self-confidence and independence.
Through regular support sessions as well as outside mental health input with external professionals, Josie gradually began to see improvements in her emotional regulation and self-esteem. Staff supported her in setting achievable goals and celebrated each success along the way, no matter how small. Over time, her incidents of self-harm reduced significantly, and with continued encouragement and support, these behaviours eventually ceased altogether.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Josie’s journey was the shift in her mindset. Where there had once been hopelessness and fear, there was now optimism and resilience. She began taking increasing responsibility for her day-to-day life and took pride in keeping her flat clean, attending appointments independently, and making her own decisions. Her mental health improved dramatically, to the point where she required minimal external intervention and was able to manage her own wellbeing proactively.
With the support of the team and in collaboration with housing providers, Josie was eventually assessed as ready to move into general needs accommodation. She embraced this new chapter with determination and excitement, since moving into her new flat, she has continued to flourish. She manages her tenancy confidently, maintains her home beautifully, and remains connected with community services.
Perhaps most inspiring of all, Josie’s experience in supported housing has inspired her to help others. She has expressed a strong desire to volunteer as a mental health advocate and is exploring opportunities to share her journey with others who may be facing similar struggles. Her goal is to use her lived experience to encourage and support those still on their recovery path.
