MP visits service for people experiencing mental health challenges and housing issues in Harrogate
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon visited a service for people experiencing mental health challenges and housing issues or homelessness in Harrogate on Friday (17 January 2025).
Tom Gordon was invited by Horton Housing to meet tenants and colleagues at their Harrogate Stay Well service to find out more about what the service provides.
Harrogate Stay Well is funded by North Yorkshire Council and provides strengths-based support and accommodation in Harrogate.
Tom Gordon spoke to service participants about their experiences with Harrogate Stay Well and he was given a tour of one of the service’s flats during his visit.
He said: “It was a great experience visiting Horton Housing on Friday. Their work is invaluable, helping some of the most vulnerable people to get the support they need to get back on their feet and live independently.
“It was great to meet with some of the people they have supported as well and hear from them just how important their support has been.
“Getting to grips with mental healthcare is so important – the support often just isn’t there, as many of my constituents have made clear in sharing their harrowing stories. This makes charities like Horton Housing all the more important.”
One of Harrogate Stay Well participants who was in attendance at the MP’s visit, said: “To have the opportunity to meet with Tom in a safe space, was too good to miss. We got to share our experiences with him and how Harrogate Stay Well is helping us to access mental health support, signpost to local services, help us manage our finances, and find accommodation. It was refreshing to see Tom listen intently to the challenges experienced by everyone in the room.”
Services Director Ann Kendall from Horton Housing said: “Harrogate Stay Well provides a safe, welcoming, supportive service for people experiencing mental health challenges.
“We were delighted to welcome Tom Gordon MP to our service to spend time with our participants and show how we working with people to build their resilience, improve their wellbeing, develop their independence and find sustainable accommodation.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “We are delighted to be working with Horton Housing to support people to live safe and independent lives in Harrogate.
“We fully recognise the difference a place to call home can make to a person’s health and wellbeing. Services such as those delivered by Horton make a huge difference to people experiencing challenges with their mental health.”
Horton Housing Association specialises in providing high quality housing, training and support for people in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and North Yorkshire.
ENDS
For more information, contact Katherine Graham, Communications and Marketing Officer, Horton Housing Association, on 07789 548483.
