Going beyond: an exploration of residents’ experiences in recovery and homelessness supported housing provision in the United Kingdom

Appropriate support is essential for the recovery of individuals with complex needs. In the United Kingdom, individuals with multiple complex needs such as those experiencing homelessness or recovering from substance use reside in supported housing. This type of housing is provided by a range of housing associations, local authorities, and charities. Often, a proportion of these individuals require tailored support to address their overlapping needs relating to health and daily living. However, there is a paucity of United Kingdom research on this topic. The aim of this present study is to explore the experiences of residents’ living in recovery and homelessness supported housing provision. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 residents from a coastal town in the North-West of England. Data collection occurred between February and March 2024. To analyze the interviews, thematic analysis was used. Two overarching themes were identified. The first was “going beyond” which unpacked into four subthemes “compassionate care,” “availability of support,” “comfort and safety,” and “personalized approach.” The second theme was “community and relationships” which unpacked into three subthemes “other residents,” “activities” and “stigma.” Findings showed that tenants valued staff who provided support beyond their formal roles, especially those with lived experience. The findings also highlight the importance of housing conditions, personal autonomy, and community engagement in fostering a sense of home and identity. The implications of this study highlight the need for service models that extend beyond basic care.