The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Housing Agency have teamed up to provide accommodation for people living with persistent mental health problems.

The two firms have drawn together best practice in home design for people living with enduring and life altering mental health conditions into design guidelines to help facilitate independent living.

The guide should help overcome some of the obstacles to and reduce the amount of assistance required for a person with a persistent mental health condition to maintain and run their home.

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Mr John O'Connor Chief Executive of the Housing Agency said: "This housing design guide is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Drawing on international best practice and the experience of mental health experts and others we hope that this guide will make it easier for those living with enduring mental health conditions to live independently in our communities. Over the past 10 years we have seen a huge change in how buildings have been modified to help those with physical disabilities to live independent lives. Now it’s time to bring that focus to support those living with mental health conditions so that they too can live independent lives in a safer environment. We know that small changes in house design and layout can have a hugely positive impact on people living with conditions like schizophrenia or dementia."

(CD/MH)