Author: Ellis Owen

Here you will find our industry and company news as well as tips and advice on various mental health conditions. We share videos and downloadable resources which tell you a little more about us. This page is also dedicated to ‘Home Life’ so you can keep up-to-date with all of the activities and events from our services.

  • A toy looking at a Christmas tree in dramatic lighting in black and white to represent loneliness over the festive holidays.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Loneliness at Christmas: Supporting Adults in Care Through the Holidays

    For many, Christmas is a season of joy, but for others, it can be the hardest time of the year. The festive season often brings expectations of togetherness and celebration, but for adults living in supported-living settings, or those with disabilities…

  • Two women comparing employment documents for a blog on supported living and pathways into work.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Supported Living and Employment: Pathways Back Into Work

    For anyone rebuilding their life in supported living, the idea of getting back into work often represents more than securing a pay slip. It can signal a return to structure as work offers routine, connection, and the chance to take back control, all of which play…

  • Person running over terrain at dusk to represent a blog on mental health vs mental fitness and the difference.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Mental Health vs Mental Fitness

    The terms mental health and mental fitness appear similar at first glance, and it’s easy to see why they’re often used as if they mean the same thing. Both relate to our emotional world, our behaviour, and how we respond to the demands of life. Yet…

  • A close-up shot of a leaf in a forest to represent a blog on how sustainability can influence well-being in supported living and social care environments.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Can Sustainability Improve Well-being Too?

    Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it can also improve the well-being of people in care and the staff who support them. As societies grow more conscious of environmental impact, social care settings such as supported living services are…

  • Hallway with hands holding out a pair of keys to represent transitions in mental health and social care settings.

    Mental Health Awareness

    The Hidden Impact of Transitions in Care

    Moving from one service, setting or life stage to another might seem like a practical step, but for many people in care, it can feel overwhelming. Whether shifting from hospital to supported living, moving within supported living, or stepping toward full independence, these transitions…

  • A hot drink in a white mug in a cosy. Christmas-inspired setting for a blog about mindful things to do in winter.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Mindful Things To Do in Winter 

    Winter brings its own rhythm with shorter days, clearer air, and a slower pace that invites us to turn inward. It’s a season that naturally encourages reflection and rest, and that makes it a superb time to practice mindfulness. Paying…

  • White plate with a sad face drawn on next to a knife and fork on a pink background, representing the eating disorder ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

    Mental Health Awareness

    ARFID Explained: Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

    Not all eating disorders look the way many of us expect. You might think of Anorexia Nervosa, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), OSFED, Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder (BED), but that doesn’t cover it all. There’s a less familiar disorder called…

  • A person supported at Northern Healthcare's supported living service, Amy Johnson House embarking on their first holiday abroad to Tenerife with help from staff.

    Helena’s Tenerife Adventure: Making Dreams Happen

    At Amy Johnson House, we are proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of the people we support, Helena, who recently went on her first holiday abroad to Tenerife. This trip wasn’t just a holiday, it was a huge…

  • Person in hazed dark room with light coming through a window. A profile silhouette representing the feelings of PTSD.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Rethinking PTSD: Trauma as a Public Health Challenge

    In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition that trauma isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a community and societal one. Whether it’s a car accident, childhood abuse, domestic violence, or displacement through war, trauma shapes the health of millions of…

  • A heart-shaped bowl of berries on a plain background to represent gut health and its ties to mental health

    Research Knowledge Base

    Gut Health Ties to Mental Health

    Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis What is the Gut-Brain Axis? The gut–brain axis is the two-way communication system between your gut and your brain; they’re constantly talking to each other. This connection isn’t just about nerves sending messages up and down.…

  • Non-binary person with mental health challenges on their journey to independence with Northern Healthcare's Supported Living Service, Olton Grange.

    Rio’s Journey to Independence with Northern Healthcare 

    At Northern Healthcare, every journey in supported living looks different; progress is personal, and recovery is rarely linear. For Rio, a 25-year-old non-binary person supported at Olton Grange, that journey has been one of rediscovering confidence, purpose, and self-acceptance. With…

  • Two people facing a window comforting each other for a blog about planning for a mental health crisis.

    Mental Health Awareness

    How to Plan for a Mental Health Crisis: A Practical Guide

    Mental health crises can be overwhelming and unpredictable, but with thoughtful planning and support, individuals can navigate the challenging times more effectively. At Northern Healthcare, we embrace a specialist person-centred approach, ensuring that each individual's preferences, values, and needs are…

  • A person walking and jogging through a grassy park for a post about a fundraising walk.

    Leanne’s Inspiring Journey of Fundraising and Growth

    At Kirk House, we are proud to celebrate the incredible journey of Leanne, one of the amazing people we support, whose determination and kindness have touched us all. Over the past year, Leanne has dedicated herself to raising funds for…

  • A blurred face representing schizophrenia for a blog on what schizophrenia is.

    Mental Health Awareness

    What Is Schizophrenia?

    Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that can change how a person thinks, feels and behaves. It’s commonly described as a form of psychosis - where someone can temporarily lose touch with reality - but experiences vary hugely from…

  • Woman running happily through a field, exemplifying celebrating small wins in recovery.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice, Research Knowledge Base

    When Progress Looks Different: Celebrating Small Wins in Recovery

    Recovery isn’t a straight line. Some days feel like leaps; others feel more like shuffles forward. And that’s okay. In fact, noticing and celebrating the “small wins” such as showing up to a group, making a simple meal, texting a…

  • Person looking at paperwork for news of the Government's Supported Housing regulation and consultation.

    Northern Healthcare Company News, Research Knowledge Base

    Supported Living Reforms 2025: What Support Providers Need to Know

    The supported living sector has entered a period of significant change. Following the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, the Government launched a consultation in early 2025 to explore how the reforms should be implemented. The consultation looks at introducing…

  • Group photo from a Northern Healthcare fundraiser for Andy's Man Club

    Coming Together: Adamson House Fundraiser for Andy’s Man Club

    On 4th September, Adamson House held a fantastic fundraiser in support of Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity working to prevent suicide and create safe spaces for men to talk. The event brought staff and the people we…

  • Mug next to a book titled "knowledge" for a blog on challenging and debunking myths around supported living.

    Research Knowledge Base

    What Supported Living Isn’t: Debunking the Myths

    Supported living is a term many people have heard, but few truly understand. At its heart, it’s about offering people a safe, comfortable, and secure place to live with the right support to help them thrive. For some, that might…

  • Northern Healthcare are made finalists at the 2025 LaingBuisson Awards in the Public Private Partnership category.

    Northern Healthcare Company News

    Celebrating Our LaingBuisson Awards Finalist Nomination 

    We’re delighted to share the exciting news that Northern Healthcare has been named a finalist in the 2025 LaingBuisson Awards, in the Public Private Partnership category. This recognition highlights our collaboration with Bury Metropolitan Borough Council on the creation of…

  • Two girls relaxing at home highlighting the psychological benefits our environment can have on our mental health.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    The Hidden Role of Environment in Mental Health Support

    When we think about mental health support, it’s easy to focus on therapy, medication, or counselling, but the spaces where care happens play a significant role. The environment we inhabit can influence our emotions, behaviours, and sense of independence. Thoughtfully…

  • Woman taking deep breaths to help regulate her central nervous system (CNS).

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    What Is the Central Nervous System and Why Does It Matter? 

    When life feels overwhelming - your heart racing before a meeting, lying awake at night with your mind spinning, or snapping at small things - it’s easy to think the problem is all in your head. But these feelings often…

  • Montgomery House, our supported living service in Bury, Greater Manchester, celebrating the opening of their garden renovation makeover in partnership with Encircle Housing in August 2025.

    Montgomery House’s Garden Transformation

    This summer, our supported living service, Montgomery House in Greater Manchester, celebrated the transformation of its outdoor space. Entering a competition earlier in the year and submitting their ideas for how the space could be improved, they secured funding and…

  • Girl sat in a corner on the floor with her head down to represent burnout in health and social care.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Burnout in Health and Social Care: Why It Happens and What We Can Do 

    Working in health and social care offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in people’s lives, building meaningful connections and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. Alongside these rewards, the role can also present challenges, from long…

  • Yellow wall with graffiti saying 'believe in yourself' for a blog about the benefits of self-affirmations for mental health.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Rewiring the Mind with Self-Affirmations

    We talk to ourselves all the time, silently, out loud, in passing thoughts we barely notice. But have you ever paid attention to what you're actually saying? Chances are, it’s not always kind. “You’re not good enough.” “Why do you…

  • Phone being held in hand representing AI and it's addictiveness. For a blog on AI and why it might not have all the answers to our mental health.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Why AI Might Not Have All the Answers to Your Mental Health

    In recent years, artificial intelligence has found a growing role in the mental health landscape. From therapy chatbots and mood trackers to virtual assessments and self-help apps, AI tools are increasingly being used to support well-being in more accessible and…

  • Mental Health Tips & Advice

    5 Ways to Stop Overthinking

    "Overthinking is the art of solving problems you don’t have." - James Clear (American Author of the Bestselling Self-Help Book Atomic Habits) Thinking too much is an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it’s spiralling thoughts, decision paralysis, or…

  • Woman's hands in the sky representing the story of Michaela in Northern Healthcare supported living.

    Mental Health Awareness

    “I’m Part of a Family”: Life at Adamson House with Michaela

    When Michaela first arrived at Adamson House, she was stepping into the unknown. After a period of crisis and hospital care, the move to supported living felt uncertain - unfamiliar territory after a difficult chapter in her life. But in…

  • A brain to represent addiction, for a blog about the signs of an "addictive brain".

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Do You Have an Addictive Brain?

    When we talk about addiction, the focus is often on the behaviour, whether it’s drinking, gambling, using drugs, or even compulsive internet use. But behind these habits lies something far more complex: the brain. More specifically, some people may have…

  • Resident and support worker walking down countryside path relating to the health and social care sector and the 2025 Spending Review

    Mental Health Awareness, Research Knowledge Base

    Why Health & Social Care Can’t Keep Settling for the Minimum

    If you work in supported living, you’ll be all too familiar with the ongoing pressures faced across the UK: stretched teams, increasing demand, and fragile funding just to name a few. The recent June 2025 Spending Review brought welcome news…

  • A field of beautiful yellow flowers on a bright sunny day to represent being mindful in summer

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    6 Ways to Stay Mindful This Summer

    As we leave spring, the season of fresh starts behind, summer arrives with an entirely different, more mindful energy. The days stretch longer, the light lingers, and there's a natural pull to get outside, breathe deeper, and live a little…

  • Mental Health Tips & Advice

    The Mental Health Benefits of Journalling

    There’s something so soothing in the mundane act of putting pen to paper. Is it because we’re in a world where we’re constantly connected and rarely offered a moment to really pause? Most likely, but still, it’s no secret that…

  • Two people in a job interview to signify how tough it is for autistic people to enter employment despite their skillset due to a lack of social skills.

    Research Knowledge Base

    Why So Few Autistic People Are in Work and How to Change That

    The employment challenges faced by autistic people have been discussed in public discourse for nearly ten years now, and the problem still remains unresolved. Early influential articles like “Why Interviews Exclude Autistic People: A Personal Perspective” published in 2016 by…

  • Man looking into a soft pink sky to represent bipolar disorder and it's effects on the brain.

    Mental Health Awareness

    Understanding Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar disorder is one of the most widely misunderstood mental health conditions, especially around what the disorder really involves. It’s not just “mood swings” or being “up and down.” For someone living with bipolar disorder, the highs and lows can…

  • People on a group activity to build confidence, connection and community for a blog about the benefits of doing so for their mental health.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    How Can Group Activities Help Support Mental Health Recovery? 

    So, what really helps when it comes to recovering your mental health?  With Mental Health Awareness Week shining a light on the power of community in 2025, it’s the perfect time to talk about something simple but incredibly effective -…

  • Journal for habit tracking to signify why establishing a routine matters for our mental health.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    The Power of Routine for Mental Health

    We’re almost halfway through 2025, and many of us are wondering where the time has gone. Amid the mounting pressures of daily life - be it work expectations, family responsibilities, or personal struggles - we often jump from one task…

  • Business man writing papers in relation to a lack of suitable supported accommodation for mental health hospital patients.

    Mental Health Awareness, Research Knowledge Base

    Why Supported Living Matters for Recovery and the NHS

    A recent report by the National Housing Federation has brought renewed attention to a pressing issue in mental health care - delays in discharging patients due to a lack of suitable supported accommodation. In 2023–24 alone, over 109,000 days of…

  • A group of friends doing arts and crafts together to signify how working with our hands can relieve anxiety.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    How Working with Your Hands Can Ease Anxiety

    In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle with anxiety at some point in our lives.  While there are lots of ways to manage it, one simple but powerful method is getting hands-on. Whether it’s painting, gardening, baking, or building…

  • A peaceful springtime scene of fields in the sunshine, representing spring as a season of mindfulness.

    Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Mindful Things to Do in Spring

    “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” - Rachel Carson   Spring is nature’s way of showing us that transformation can be both powerful and beautiful. After…

  • A group workout class to highlight the fun, easy ways to get active and the importance of finding an exercise you enjoy.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Easy Ways to Get Active for a Healthier Life

    At Northern Healthcare, we understand that staying active looks different for everyone, and as a supported living service provider, we see firsthand how movement plays a key role in both physical and mental well-being. The people we support have their…

  • A person meditating on a beach representing mindfulness and inner peace.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    The Power of Mindfulness in Supported Living Services

    What is Mindfulness?  The key to happiness? Brain-changing? As effective as leading anti-depressants? These conversations around mindfulness have been ongoing since the practice gained widespread recognition in the 20th century for its ability to improve mental and physical well-being. However, with…

  • A tower of Scrabble letter tiles representing the 5 Ps formulation.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Understanding the 5 Ps Formulation in Mental Health and Supported Living Services

    In the field of mental health and psychological assessments, the 5 Ps formulation is a widely used framework that helps professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s mental health challenges.   At Northern Healthcare, we regularly encounter complex mental health…

  • Winners, directors and attendees of the Northern Healthcare Awards

    Events, Northern Healthcare Company News

    Celebrating Our Shining Stars at the Northern Healthcare Awards 

    The Northern Healthcare Awards on March 5th, 2025, was a day to remember, all about celebrating the incredible contributions of our teams and the inspiring individuals we support. This year, our theme was Northern Lights - a perfect tribute to…

  • Adult looking at the ocean on a cliff in a moody setting, with a shadow version of themself sat beside them representing loneliness.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Loneliness in Supported Living: How Do We Combat Social Isolation?

    Loneliness is a universal human experience. In fact, when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) conducted a survey in December 2024 to January 2025, 7.7% of UK adults felt lonely often or always – that’s 1 in 13 adults.  However,…

  • Exterior wall with graffiti saying "I feel" encouraging us to think about our feelings and emotional health.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Understanding Emotional Health: What It Is and Why It Matters 

    As a supported living service, we understand the vital role emotional health plays in overall well-being. Every day, we pride ourselves on recognising and processing our own emotions while supporting those we care for on their personal journeys. Emotional health…

  • Man listening to music whilst walking down the street to make him happy, and boost his mental health and well-being.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    How Music Can Be a Powerful Tool for Mental Health

    In a world where stress, anxiety and depression are increasingly prevalent, many people are turning to creative methods to improve their mental health, and one of the most popular tools is something we engage with daily: music. Whether it’s a…

  • A heart-shaped paper chain to promote learning to love yourself this Valentine's Day

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    5 Ways To Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day 

    Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, but it’s also the perfect time to reflect on the most important relationship you’ll ever have – the one with yourself!  A 2024 consumer report by Storyly found “A significant shift in…

  • A mother caring for, and watching over, her young child as they explore a modern garden, highlighting the mental health of parents today.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    How to Care for Your Mental Health as a Parent

    Parenting is a rewarding yet demanding role, and when you are also a caregiver for a child with a mental health diagnosis or a learning disability such as autism, those demands can feel even greater. As of 2024, approximately 329,000…

  • A sign post at sunset to help someone with making decisions

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Mental Capacity: What Does It Mean? 

    At Northern Healthcare we understand the importance of empowering those we support to maintain their independence and make informed decisions about their lives. A key aspect of our supported living service provision is equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge…

  • Mental health nurses speaking to each other and laughing

    Careers

    Mental Health Nursing in Supported Living: Roles & Responsibilities

    Mental health nursing is a vital component of the UK’s healthcare system, focusing on supporting individuals with mental health conditions to achieve optimal well-being and independence. Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) play a key role in various settings, including supported…

  • Woman with asthma using an inhaler to aid her long-term health condition.

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Long-Term Physical Conditions & Mental Health

    Long-term physical health conditions affect millions of people worldwide, presenting challenges that often extend beyond physical health. While much attention is often paid to managing the physical symptoms of these conditions, the profound impact they can have on mental health…

  • Woman building her self-esteem, laughing and covering the camera with her hand

    Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Tips & Advice

    Why Self-Esteem Matters: What It Means and How to Improve It

    “75% of UK adults said they had struggled at some point with a mental health related issue including low self-esteem.”  This worrying insight makes us question our place on the self-esteem scale. Do we believe we deserve happiness, success and…

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