Spotlight on mental health
Mental health is something that affects us all, and with that in mind the NRLA is running new courses looking at ways landlords can support tenants who may be struggling.
The association’s Mental Health in Housing course will help private sector landlords identify common mental health disorders and develop strategies for prevention, intervention, and support.
Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, attendees will learn strategies for supporting individuals experiencing these challenges and fostering inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environments.
In addition, the course will dedicate time to discussing the unique challenges and nuances of working in housing through the lens of mental health and well-being.
Social Housing
A similar course is also available to landlords working in the social sector, with a focus on the specific challenges faced by landlords operating in this space.
Details of the Mental Health in Housing course for social housing providers – including dates, times and how to book can be found here.
Hoarding
Alongside these courses the award-winning training academy is also launching new training on how to deal with hoarding.
More than a million people in the country live with a hoarding condition, and with the private rented sector larger and growing faster than ever before, there is an increased chance that as a landlord, you could have a tenant who is, or becomes, a hoarder.
Trauma-Informed Hoarding Training for Housing Professionals has been developed with expert trainers and explores the reasons behind hoarding – and compassionate ways of dealing with the issue.
Delivered by Kayley Hyman, founder of training and consultancy firm Holistic Hoarding, the course shares best practice and will help landlords identify potential treatment and support.
The course will also cover treatment pathways, compassionate enforcement actions, and harm reduction strategies, highlighting the importance of multi-agency approaches, including hoarding task forces, to effectively manage and support individuals who hoard. Dates for the course are set to be released soon.
Support for landlords
Of course, it’s not only tenants who suffer with mental health problems. Letting homes can be stressful at the best of times, with long hours, 24-hour-a-day callouts, unending paperwork all taking a toll, with the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis still casting a long shadow.
It is important to recognise when you’re feeling anxious, helpless or low and reach out to get the support you need for you and your tenants.
If you are struggling there are a number of organisations with teams of trained professionals who can help and support you, including Mind (0300 1233393) and the Samaritans (call 116123).
If you are struggling as a result of financial pressures there are also free debt advice charities that can help including Government-backed agencies including debt charity StepChange (call 0800 138 1111) and the Money Advice Service https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en (call 0800 138 7777).
More information
For more information about the full training offer from the NRLA’s award-winning Training Academy visit our dedicated web pages here.
