Ruth Jennings of emh makes the case for supported housing as a smart investment

As Supported Housing Week continues, Ruth Jennings, Executive Director of Care at emh, contributes this guest blog which challenges the view of supported housing as a cost to the public purse. Drawing on research from government, the National Housing Federation and Housing LIN, Ruth highlights estimated annual savings of £3.5 billion in England through the prevention of hospital stays, residential care and homelessness.

She argues that supported housing is essential social infrastructure that helps people live independently while easing pressure on councils, the NHS and adult social care, and calls for long-term investment backed by fair funding.