Articles

Supporting People With Mental Illness Into Work Without Creating Harm

Employment can support recovery, but poorly designed approaches risk relapse and disengagement. This article examines how services can support people into work safely, ethically, and in line with commissioning and...

Employment as Recovery: Supporting Mental Health Through Meaningful Work

Meaningful employment plays a critical role in mental health recovery, offering structure, purpose, and social connection. This article explores how employment-focused support improves outcomes, reduces system dependency, and aligns with...

From Hostels to Homes: Designing Housing Pathways for People with Mental Illness

Temporary accommodation and hostels often fail to meet the needs of people with mental illness. This article explores how structured housing pathways support recovery, reduce risk, and align with commissioning...

Balancing Safety and Homeliness in Supported Living Design: What Commissioners Look For

How to design supported living environments that are safe, regulatory-compliant and PBS-informed — without feeling clinical or institutional.

Outdoor Spaces in Supported Living: Gardens, Balconies and Safe Access to the Community

Why thoughtful outdoor design in supported living is essential for wellbeing, sensory regulation and community inclusion — with practical ideas commissioners like to see in bids.

Designing Communal Areas in Supported Living: Balancing Social Connection and Personal Space

A practical guide to creating supported living communal spaces that promote independence, reduce overwhelm and strengthen positive relationships.

Designing Bedrooms in Supported Living: Calm, Safe and Personal Spaces

How to design supported living bedrooms that balance safety, sensory needs, comfort and personal identity — without becoming clinical or restrictive.

The Role of Assistive Technology in Supported Living Housing Design

A practical guide to using assistive technology to improve independence, safety and outcomes in supported living — without creating a “tech-heavy” or institutional feel.

Designing Supported Living Homes for Autism: Sensory-Smart Environments That Work

Practical guidance on creating autism-friendly supported living environments — lighting, noise control, zoning, predictability and personalisation.

Location, Location, Outcomes: Choosing Neighbourhoods for Supported Living

Why the neighbourhood around a supported living home matters as much as the building — with practical tips on balancing accessibility, safety, friendships and independence.

Shared House or Self-Contained Flat? Choosing the Right Supported Living Property

How to decide between shared houses, clustered flats and single-occupancy supported living — with practical pointers on compatibility, PBS, risk and long-term outcomes.

Quiet, Calm and Safe: Sensory-Friendly Housing for Autistic Adults in Supported Living

A practical guide to creating sensory-friendly supported living environments for autistic adults, from noise and light to predictability, routines and safe retreat spaces.

Designing Supported Living Homes Around People, Not Buildings

A practical guide to creating sensory-friendly supported living environments for autistic adults, from noise and light to predictability, routines and safe retreat spaces.