People with mental health problems often have to wait for more than a year before they can leave hospital and go into supported housing.

A report, based on 18 housing projects in three London boroughs, reveals that most of the residents came into supported housing from hospital. In two boroughs, staff reported significant numbers of people in hospital waiting for accommodation, with some people being placed outside the borough because of shortages of suitable housing.

Delays were attributed to gaps in provision, particularly for people with specific needs, such as those with dual diagnosis or a forensic history, and those requiring single-sex accommodation.

Most of the residents interviewed had found their accommodation through their social worker, community psychiatric nurse or key worker. While the residents spoke positively about staff, there were concerns over the lack of continuity and communication between agencies.

The residents who were most content with their housing situation tended to be in supported accommodation with some independence. However, it was reported that there was a reluctance on the part of some clients to move into less supportive settings and that statutory sector workers tended to be overly cautious about placing them there.

Housing project staff said that the dependency levels of people being referred to them in the first place were increasing.

The report calls on the government to reflect London's own unique requirements for mental health services in the way central funds are allocated.

- Getting a Move On available from www.london.gov.uk