Housing associations must continue to support the mental health their residents, research has revealed.

Social landlord Orbit’s survey found that mental health and wellbeing provision was rated as the most important form of support by its tenants.

The not-for-profit housing provider’s annual voice survey revealed that almost half of residents worry about meeting everyday costs, 42% feel lonely always, often or sometimes, and 17% have low life satisfaction.

Through its Better Days programme Orbit offers all its residents free support on a range of issues, including employment, skills, digital and financial inclusion, but 74% of customers who were aware of the programme rated its mental health and wellbeing support as the most important for them and their families.

Last year, 1,041 Orbit tenants received mental wellbeing support via Better Days, following which 70% reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing and 55% reported a reduction in social isolation.

Recently, Orbit launched a new mental health support service in partnership with Health Assured which not only offers customers 24/7 support via telephone or live chat but also access to cognitive behavioural therapy either online, over the phone or in 1:1 sessions in person.

The social landlord says it is also investing in its local infrastructure with new community hubs and a team of community connectors that will help bring on-the-ground, face to face mental health services to communities.

Helen Gleadell, Orbit’s Better Days Manager, said: “As mental health challenges become more prevalent in society, housing associations are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their customers. By prioritising mental health support, collaborating with expert partners, and investing in local infrastructure, housing providers like Orbit are not only addressing immediate needs but also contributing to the broader effort to build healthier, more resilient communities.”