The association has collaborated with Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) over the past year to pilot and develop Be Well Barrhead, an innovative early-intervention service. This provides trauma-informed support to tenants with wellbeing challenges affecting their ability to manage and sustain tenancies.

Barrhead Housing community investment manager Bryan Dando said: “The service combines trusted relationships built by housing staff with rapid access to specialist mental health support.

“Tenants are referred to RAMH for assessment within five days and can access up to eight tailored support sessions. These focus on improving wellbeing, building resilience, strengthening community connections and preventing tenancy breakdown.”

Barrhead Housing, which owns and manages more than 1000 affordable homes, secured the new funding from Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire and the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

In its first year, the service:

• engaged with 19 tenants, who attended 6.6 support sessions;
• 42% of whom had never previously accessed RAMH services;
• improved CORE-OM wellbeing scores by seven points (exceeding the recognised five-point threshold for meaningful improvement in mental wellbeing);
• and generated £193,853 of social value.

Bryan said: “Participants reported improvements in their ability to manage stress, reduced anxiety, increased confidence and self-belief, stronger relationships with family and neighbours, greater engagement with housing services and increased participation in community-based activities and specialist support services.”

The service helped tenants address issues, such as rent arrears, before they reached crisis point.

One tenant said: “I just want to thank you for everything. I was at my lowest point and even suicidal. Now I’m in such a good place mentally and it’s all thanks to you.”

The news coincides with Scottish Housing Day, which has a “Healthy Homes Healthy Futures” theme.

Barrhead Housing chief executive Lorna Wilson said: “Our housing staff have been equipped with the skills and confidence to identify and respond to distressed tenants.

“We are incredibly proud of the difference the service has made and this additional funding will enable us to continue providing life-changing support to more tenants.

“Scottish Housing Day is about celebrating the positive impact that good housing can have on people’s lives. Be Well Barrhead is a fantastic example of that in action.”