A clinical manager at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute highlighted how people who experience mental health challenges can better manage themselves when they live in stable homes.

Karla Looby noted how consistent environments make a positive impact.

The MWI, a Bermuda Hospitals Board service, provides support to 25 clients housed at community-based mental health facilities around the island.

Ms Looby said: “Many people don’t realise how big a difference a stable home makes for our clients.”

She added: “It makes it easier for them to manage their mental health issue.”

With the exception of Tarheel House, which the MWI opened last year, Ms Looby said the homes did not have full-time staff.

However, she said, clients received regular support from a multidisciplinary team.

Ms Looby said certain criteria must be met before someone is accepted for accommodation.

She explained: “The main criterion is that an individual has a mental illness, but they must also be able to be independent, compliant with medication, be able to cook and clean, and get along with other residents and neighbours.

“We use an on-site residence at MWI, Hibiscus Cottage, as a training ground and individuals go through an intensive assessment before moving into a home,” Ms Looby added.

The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation said recently that it was working to secure accommodation for 25 people battling against mental health challenges.

The charity, which works along with the MWI to find accommodation for the institute’s clients, said it hoped to accomplish the feat this year as part of its 30th anniversary.

Ms Looby said: “In a country where even an average person with a job finds it hard to find affordable accommodation, the BMHF’s support makes a huge difference.”

The charity will hold its Steps to Mental Wellness 5km Walk on October 6, in partnership with CG Insurance and Zest Wellness, to raise $50,000 to support the housing programme.

Ms Looby said: “I can’t stress how important the BMHF’s fundraising is to our clients.

“If it wasn’t for the BMHF raising funds to purchase the homes, these clients would be in hospital or homeless, and struggling.”

She added that the BHB was “extremely” grateful for the charity’s contribution to its mandate.

Ms Looby explained: “We have four residences with private landlords, but the impact of access to BMHF homes make a huge difference.”

The MWI has forged partnerships over the years to provide care.

In June, works were completed to renovate and convert the St James Rectory in Somerset into a residential treatment centre.

The BHB collaborated with Habitat For Humanity and the Anglican Church, which owns the facility, to transform the derelict Bridge House into a purpose-designed space.

When all systems are in place, it will house eight people.