Apex Housing Association (Apex) has been recognised at an all-Ireland awards ceremony for its innovative approach in assisting people with severe and complex mental health needs transition from long-term hospital care back into community living.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Excellence in housing innovation\u2019 award was presented at the CIH All-Ireland Housing Awards, held recently in Titanic Belfast.<\/p>\n
In partnership with the Western<\/a>\u00a0Health and Social Care Trust, Apex is applying Article 15 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, which allows for \u2018leave of absence\u2019 from hospital in a pioneering way.\u00a0 Instead of a traditional discharge, it is being used as a structured and carefully monitored pathway that supports individuals to move gradually from hospital into supported living.\u00a0 Individuals move gradually into their own tenancy over a negotiated period – typically 8 to 12 weeks – while receiving highly personalised, wraparound support.\u00a0<\/p>\n Deirdre Walker, Apex\u2019s Executive Director of Supported Living, commented: \u201cWe are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for the Article 15 Pathway. This innovative approach reflects what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared vision to challenge traditional models and put people at the heart of housing solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n “The stories from those who have moved from long-term hospital care into their own homes are truly inspiring. They illustrate how the Article 15 Pathway is more than a process, it is a lifeline, and we are proud to walk alongside people on their journey from uncertainty to belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n