Apex wins All-Ireland Housing Award for life-changing Derry partnership

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.

The ‘Excellence in housing innovation’ award was presented at the CIH All-Ireland Housing Awards, held recently in Titanic Belfast.

In partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Apex is applying Article 15 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, which allows for ‘leave of absence’ from hospital in a pioneering way.  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.  Individuals move gradually into their own tenancy over a negotiated period - typically 8 to 12 weeks - while receiving highly personalised, wraparound support. 

Deirdre Walker, Apex’s Executive Director of Supported Living, commented: “We 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. 

"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.”

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Karen O’Brien, Director of Adult Mental Health & Disability Services, Western Health and Social Care Trust (Trust), added: “The Trust were delighted to work in partnership with Apex to deliver on the pilot of applying Article 15 of the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 to support patients successfully transitioning from hospital to the community in a timely manner.

"The collaboration with Apex highlights our shared commitment to ensuring that individuals with mental health needs are placed in suitable accommodation within the community with the support they require.  Combining the Trust’s clinical expertise with Apex’s dedication to providing high-quality supported living, we are strengthening the framework that safeguards the rights and well-being of those who need it most.”

To date, every participant in the Article 15 Pathway has successfully maintained their tenancy with Apex, and have experienced improved wellbeing, renewed independence and meaningful reconnection with community life.

Apex has now fully embedded the Article 15 Pathway into its admissions criteria across its supported living schemes, including Dunvale House and Ballyoan House in Derry, ensuring the model continues to deliver lasting impact for individuals with the most complex mental health needs.