CHASM’s research has been acknowledged in the VIVID statement on social housing funding.  The research was conducted with colleagues from the University of Manchester, in which we found that social housing can have a positive impact on wellbeing, most notably in terms of anxiety. 

This research is the first time that a comparison has been made for different housing tenures and measures of wellbeing using a bespoke survey and follow-up interviews.  The full report, which was published in the spring 2018, provides insights that haven’t otherwise been known from previous research.

While we await the full details of the Government’s announcement of £2bn additional funding to build more social housing, we hope it signals a real long-term change in policy to see funding back up to previous levels. We are delighted to hear Theresa May acknowledge the importance of the part played by Housing Associations such as VIVID - not only in providing more homes but also in addressing the stigma still surrounding social housing. 

Mrs May has recognised what our own research with Birmingham and Manchester Universities has already identified – that the stigma surrounding social housing can best be addressed by creating homes and communities that people are proud to live in, whatever their circumstances. “More homes and bright futures” is the central topic of our own regional Housing Forum in Portsmouth next week, where around 150 of our current and prospective partners will discuss the benefits of joint working to tackle both housing and wellbeing needs.

Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID, said: “Welfare reductions have seen some of our 30,000 customers worse off than they have ever been. If we are going to stop stigmatising those living in social housing we need to provide a welfare system that allows them to live as equals, not under the poverty line. And one that enables those in social housing to enjoy the futures they are entitled to.”