Neighbourhood’s contribution to social connectedness and reduction of loneliness among ‘intensive home support’ clients

Abstract

Intensive home support (IHS) is a contemporary floating outreach approach in supported housing designed to address the growing need for community living initiatives for persons with severe mental illness (SMI). Despite the advantages of independent living, IHS clients often experience loneliness, superficial relationships with neighbours, and lower levels of community integration compared to those without SMI. This article aims to identify opportunities for positive interactions between IHS clients and neighbourhood residents, focusing on how social initiatives can improve connections and reduce loneliness. We conducted qualitative research with semi-structured interviews involving professionals, volunteers, IHS clients, and residents of three Dutch neighbourhoods, in which forty-two respondents participated in thirty-three interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) collaborating actors; (2) preventing social loneliness; (3) strengthening reciprocal relationships; and (4) strengthening social connectedness. Community workers, support staff, and key figures play crucial roles in connecting social initiatives with IHS clients.