Over the past decade, the UK has experienced an increase in mental health illnesses. We’ve seen real efforts to drop stigma surrounding the subject & in turn, awareness has grown significantly. The importance of looking after our mental health, has become an increasingly important factor in many of our lives.
The rise in issues can be linked to the evolution of our society and technology. Thanks to our modern lifestyle habits, we are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature & our physical communities.
For a tenant-oriented housing system like Build to Rent, residents mental health should be of concern. The BtR sector is perfectly positioned to improve lifestyle aspects that can have an impact on mental health. The BtR philosophy, at it’s core, already incorporates many of the remedies to sooth mental health issues.
In this article, we will be exploring the areas in which the BtR sector and philosophies can positively impact mental health.
Community
Humans are social creatures. Social interaction is an essential part of our overall well-being. Forming groups or clans was one of the ways early humans catered for that biological need. However, the modern world is becoming more and more individualistic in nature. The more connected we get online, the more disconnected we can feel offline.
As humans, we need to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves to provide us with a sense of purpose and a sense of safety. This is why the BtR philosophy is dedicated to placemaking. Providing tenants with community-friendly environments rather than just a place to live. BtR operators also organise community events to enhance interaction among residents and foster community bonds.
For instance, Moda Living’s Angel Gardens (in the heart of Manchester city) features some community bonding events like the Summer Screening, and Moda Big Night In (virtually hosted during lockdown). Quintain Living’s Supperclub is another good example of a community event for residents.
Pets
Owning pets is proven to have a positive impact on human health. Several reports have presented that there is a strong connection between pet ownership and positive mental wellbeing. It has been suggested that the responsibility of taking care of another animal taps into our nurturing nature. In turn, our pets offer us moments of comfort and joy.
This is why pets are often regarded as our best friends or a member of the family. Especially in the times of Covid, where physical contact is discouraged, having the presence and energy of another living thing cannot be underrated.
Based on the BtR’s tenant-oriented philosophy, it has become necessary for developments to make apartments pet-friendly. Some BtR developments have gone a step further by dedicating some amenity spaces for pet activities and care. Vertus is leading the charge with the launch of its first pet-friendly development, 8 Water Street. The BtR features a variety of pet-friendly social and public spaces like Wood Wharf’s acres of parks and quayside boardwalks providing pets with more avenues to roam.
Quintain’s Wembley Park offers residents pet-friendly amenity spaces such as the Ferrum Dog run complete with a fire hydrant, for all pets to roam and exercise.
Exercise
Working out and exercising have been positively linked to overall wellbeing. Exercising has been shown to improve mental health thanks to the endorphins released in the body during increased physical activity. The ability to work out and break a sweat has been one of the most common practices of people who have remained mentally resilient through the pandemic.
Whilst not all gym spaces can be open due to Covid, they’re definitely a plus in the long run. And, outdoor space is a nice touch for those living in apartments with limited space. Whether it’s running around a private track or taking 10 for some rooftop yoga.
Open (Green) Space
Open green spaces refer to an area of grass, trees, or vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment. These spaces are known to lower stress and improve physical wellbeing long-term. Many people can feel trapped in their apartments over time, and having easy access to open spaces to ease tension within cities can be difficult.
Many BtR developments now provide residents with access to open green spaces on their roofs or a podium garden. An example of this is Moda Living’s Angel gardens, which features a rooftop sports court and a sky lounge.
People
In line with community, being around people with high and positive energy is infectious. The best way to ensure positivity within a development is by hiring and training the management team on cordial social relations. Simply, having the concierge smile and ask how residents are doing, can have a significant impact on their day.
Conclusion
According to a report by Mind.org, one in six people are said to experience common mental issues like anxiety and depression in any given week. At some point in our lives, we will all struggle with mental health – and that is ok. What is not ok is to let your mental health continually degrade. The BtR sector has the tools to really make a positive impact on tenants.
If you own or operate a BtR building, you should ask yourself, are you doing enough to improve your tenant’s mental health and the wider community? If you want to know what more you could be doing, please feel free to get in touch.
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