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Due to the deinstitutionalization, many individuals with severe mental illness are able to live independently nowadays, by making use of supported accommodation. The financial well-being of these individuals significantly influences their overall quality of life, yet this aspect remains underexplored. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the financial circumstances of supported accommodation clients and the specific support mechanisms they rely on.

This investigation involved an examination of electronic patient records from a large supported accommodation organization. Additionally, an online questionnaire was distributed to staff members to elucidate the prevalence of financial support among clients, the nature of such support and the extent of financial challenges they face.

In total, 25% of clients were found to be in debt, with a majority carrying debts exceeding €5,000. Financial support was extended to over half of the supported accommodation clients. Notably, 17% of clients with intricate financial issues were assigned to a budget coach. The most common forms of support included assistance with financial administration and protective guardianship, whereas clients with more complex problems primarily received support in budget management and financial skill development.

This study highlights a significant prevalence of financial challenges among supported accommodation clients. Recommendations include investing in staff training programs to further develop knowledge and skills. Additionally, the effectiveness of current financial support initiatives requires further investigation.

The Dutch are not afraid of getting their hands dirty in order to get things done. Faced with increasing numbers of chaotic drug users with little hope or inclination of contacting services, Dutch treatment services have developed a controversial way of getting normally out‐of‐reach clients into care. Based on a treatment model for care in the community patients, drug and alcohol services are resorting to ‘friendly’ persuasion to get people the help they need. This is a historical perspective on ‘interferential’ care and how it can be applied to treatment in the substance misuse field.

This study aims to gauge the usefulness of a Recovery College relaxation course for both staff and service users within a secure mental health setting.

The course compromised of seven stand alone sessions, each teaching a different relaxation skill. Pre- and Post questionnaires were administered comprising of two closed and one open ended questions.

Participants (n = 49) reported an average decrease of 32% in pre- and post-session tension. Ninety-two percent of evaluative responses endorsed sessions as “worthwhile” and 92% endorsed the relaxation skills as “useful in the future”. Participants described the workshops as “enjoyable” and “relaxing”.

In the spirit of Recovery Colleges, the course offers the opportunity for individuals with lived experience to participate in the production and delivery of interventions. Improving both staff and service user well-being is cost-effective and may help to normalise and de-stigmatise difficulties with stress and anxiety.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first evaluation of a co-produced and co-delivered relaxation course for both staff and service users within inpatient mental health settings. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of a novel intervention to improve staff and service user well-being.