Unlike other charity run accommodation, Happy Homes Northeast is specific to mental illness and accepts no dual diagnosis or addictions.

It is managed, or more rightly, peer facilitated, and peer led using the consensus method. Peer support is immediate and a door knock away. There are no offices, no doors to management or desks to separate. Who knows mental illness better or how to live with it than the patient?

The pilot project on Newcastle’s West Road benefits from a great Community Mental Health Team, GP’s “in the know”, affordable local shopping, a library, internet, 2 back yards for outdoor activities and easy access to downtown, the recovery College and support groups like Bipolar UK.

There is no reason that individuals with mental illness who cannot maintain employment should not enjoy a full and satisfying life. “Upskills”, hands on hobbies and skills, house keeping, bucket gardens, academic help and outings and micro businesses are the order of the day.  Combine accommodation, an immediate peer support group and the club house model with a touch of L’Arche community living and you’re close to our vision.

Though the manager is on site 7-10 am and 5-10pm, the truth is they are usually on site much of the day.