A safe and comfortable home is essential to support mental well-being. Without it, we know people experiencing mental ill-health are more likely to relapse and return to the hospital. This is why the STEPS service is so vital.

 

  • We offer an accommodation assessment and support service for Luton for people ready to return home or accommodation after staying in a Mental Health Ward.

  • STEPS support patients as they move from the ward back into their accommodation, ensuring they don’t become homeless.

  • We ensure safe discharge safely by ensuring suitable accommodation is there for them and any care support packages are in place once they are released.

  • By doing this, the service prevents homelessness and any unnecessary delays in hospital discharge resulting in bed-blocking.

Benefits to the Community

  • Significant community benefit in the Luton area
  • We reduce homelessness by preventing people from being discharged from hospital without accommodation
  • We reduce costs to the NHS as ward staff work with STEPS, reducing potential discharge delays
  • We have a specific discharge lead on wards allowing them to identify reasons for admission that would lead to possible delays in discharge and address it from the outset

  • Direct contact with the local council results

    In quicker appointments for patients, reducing the length of stay on a ward..

  • Expertise in housing, benefits and access links

    To floating support services, ensuring people receive timely advice and support. We have close ties with numerous secondary services, resulting in quicker discharges and reducing the risk of readmission.

  • Appropriate support services are put into place before discharge

    By attending the Mental Health Housing Forum, STEPS helps find alternative accommodation for people needing rehoming.

How We Work

  • We receive referrals from ward staff, care coordinators, social workers, and self-referrals. People admitted to wards are assessed by our STEPS Worker within 48 hours.

  • Every person referred to us is supported to find suitable accommodation, reducing the number of patients who remain in the hospital for non-clinical reasons and avoiding discharge to no fixed abode or unsuitable accommodation.

  • We work with patients to find them suitable accommodation and introduces them to relevant additional community support services.

  • We are part of the Mental Health Housing Forum and works directly with Luton Borough Council to identify and secure housing appointments for patients much more efficiently than if they were to access these services alone.

  • We maintain contact with each discharged patient and continues to support them in the community with a minimum check-in at 3, 6 and 12-months post-discharge, providing vital follow-on support.

  • We provide expertise in housing, benefits, and access to floating support services (including Penrose’s Synergy Service), ensuring people receive appropriate housing advice and support.

  • We work closely with and signposts to community partners, including housing, hostels and substance use services, reducing the risk of relapse and readmission.

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