A trailblazing project aimed at improving supported housing standards in Mansfield has been extended for another year after demonstrating its positive impact on tenants’ lives
The Supported Housing Improvement Project (SHIP), aimed at making sure supported housing service users in Mansfield have access to the right support, have decent living conditions and get the services they pay for, has been given permission to continue until March 2027.
The project also helps tenants to access vital support to improve their health and wellbeing, employability and basic furniture as well as working with landlords to make improvements to their properties such as heating system upgrades.
When a relationship breakdown left him homeless, Daniel Wells, 39, spent the next four years looking for some stability. After moving into supported living in December 2025, the SHIP team at Mansfield District Council is helping him to finally look forward.
He said: “For the last four years I’ve been homeless. I’ve been in temporary accommodation and I spent around 14 months living on the streets and in Blidworth Woods. The whole time I was just thinking about my kids, even when I was sleeping rough I was thinking about them. I just needed a roof over my head to begin with; I couldn’t be out in the cold anymore.”
After reaching out for help, Daniel secured a room in a shared house in Mansfield Woodhouse, with the SHIP team supporting him to rebuild his life.
“I just want to get back on track. The main support I’ve had is with the back to work scheme, which is helping me to find a job. I’m mainly looking at driving jobs and I’ve been getting some help to build my CV and look for opportunities. Once I’ve got that then I can save up and find my own place.
“This place is a lifesaver to be honest. I might not be here now if I’d stayed out on the streets. I’ve been at rock bottom, but now I’m looking forward to the future and making sure I support my kids.”
Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “Daniel’s story is one of many that demonstrates the hugely positive impact the SHIP has had on hundreds of people across Mansfield District. I’m delighted that the team can continue their work in scrutinising what supported housing providers are doing for their tenants and, most importantly, helping people achieve better standards of living.
“I’m extremely proud that Mansfield is blazing a trail for the improvement of supported housing, helping to make voices heard and raising standards for people who may feel as though they haven’t been listened to before.”
SHIP was initially a national scheme funded by the Government that began in 2022, with Mansfield chosen as one of 26 local authorities to pilot the scheme. The fund was designed to enable supported housing landlords, tenant groups and other connected organisations to test ideas and initiatives that might improve relationships between tenants and their landlords. Now, with the project proving a success, Mansfield District Council is funding the service itself.
There are currently around 25 providers of supported housing accommodation in Mansfield with around 225 homes combined. The extension to the SHIP project means that the team will be able to continue their work as well as carrying out more inspections to help keep tenants safe and supported in their homes.
You can find out more about housing services on Mansfield District Council’s website.