Build to Rent developments are a solution to the UK’s housing crisis, and can also improve tenant’s mental health. As Build to Rent continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that they have the ability to improve the mental health of its occupants through access to quality living conditions.
Build to Rents are not only a solution for people who need affordable housing, but they offer an opportunity for tenants to live in safe environments while still maintaining their independence. Build to Rents provide access to amenities that many other accommodations do not – and include 24/7 security features. The role that Build to Rents play in tackling mental health cannot be understated.
Mental health in the UK
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) was set up in 1979 and has since worked to raise awareness of mental health. Recently, awareness of different forms of mental health has increased over the past five years. For example, The MHF’s “Young Minds Matter” program works to support 10-30-year-olds who are struggling with their mental health. Via this initiative, the MHF hopes to reduce the number of people who take their own lives, which is currently one every two hours. Awareness about these types of mental health issues is growing – but there is still work to be done and that’s where a well-run and well-thought-out Build to Rent development can help change things.
Studies have shown that living conditions can directly impact residents mental health. Build-to-Rent developments can provide tenants with access to physical and mental well-being improving tools. These developments often include onsite care and management, quality housing, and quality social spaces that can help minimise the stress and loneliness of the tenants. Build to Rent is an innovative answer to the UK’s housing crisis, and can also be a solution for other crisis areas the UK finds itself currently facing.
Communities Combat Suicide
Build to Rent developments can also have a positive impact by reducing suicide rates. Communities are more than just homes. BtR communities offer services, amenities, and communal spaces that create social interaction and foster connections with people in their neighbourhood. During the Covid lockdown, the togetherness the communities delivered – despite not being able to physically meet in person – was incredibly valuable to many tenants.
Build to Rent developments that hosted frequent virtual community events – have consistently scored higher in the HomeViews tenants satisfaction survey – with tenants saying it made them feel a part of something bigger when stuck in long-term isolation. With one of the most prominent reasons for suicide being depression caused by loneliness, it is clear that providing tenants with access to a thriving community just might be the thing that saves their life.
Exercise as a key to mental health
Exercise is a great way to improve your mental health by releasing endorphins. When someone exercises, their body releases endorphins which are the hormones responsible for the feeling of happiness and euphoria. This not only improves a person’s mood but also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Endorphins are also capable of reducing the physical pain that some people suffer from. Two very important things for those who have been experiencing acute stress, depression, or anxiety which may interfere with their physical pain tolerance.
One way to overcome high levels of stress is through exercise, therefore it would be beneficial to include Build To Rent communities that have a focus around some form of physical movement and exercise. This can be through an onsite gym, online classes, rooftop yoga or even local walking groups. Any way a BtR development can increase the regular release of endorphins should be encouraged and implemented.
Manage the elephant in the room
Build to Rent management can tactfully inquire about tenant’s mental health. Management could even help tenants identify one or two trusted people who they can go to for support. It might even be a good idea to have management staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders so tenants know it is OK to approach them if they need someone to talk to. MHFA England offer training to companies looking to provide this service.
Build to Rent management should be vigilant if tenants start showing signs of high levels of stress, depression, or anxiety on a regular basis. Build-to-Rent tenants might show these signs by losing interest in work or other activities that they typically enjoy. Build-to-Rent management should also keep an eye out for residents who are increasingly isolating themselves.
Final Words
Build to Rent communities provide tenants with access to physical and mental well-being tools, quality social spaces, and other amenities which can help minimise stress levels in an individual’s life.
Build to Rent developments can have a positive impact on decreasing suicide rates among residents by providing access to exercise, group activities or simply just having a great management team that can check in with someone from time to time…
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