More than two in five (43 per cent) of social housing tenants with mental health problems have seen their mental health deteriorate as a result of where they live, according to newly analysed data from the charity.

Mind surveyed 2,009 people in England across different housing sectors on the relationship between their housing and their mental health.

Its findings include that:

The charity has called for a greater focus on mental health within social housing policy, with a particular focus on addressing stigma and problems with benefits.

Sophie Corlett, director of external relations at Mind, said: “Social housing is meant to be safe, secure and low cost, making it a good option for those of us with mental health problems who need it. Yet our research shows that people with mental health problems who need social housing are being let down at every stage of the process and the current system just isn’t working for people with mental health problems.

“Given how many people living in social housing are experiencing mental health problems, it’s shocking to see how little attention is given to mental health and housing. At the moment, barely any data is collected on the mental health needs of tenants by local authorities.”