A supported housing service in Teesside has been recognised for saving people’s lives as it supports a campaign to highlight the benefits eating together has on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Housing association Riverside has launched an Eat Together campaign to demonstrate how dining together can unite people as a community to combat social isolation and loneliness, including some of the benefits communal living can bring. Studies have shown that people who eat alone were more likely to experience depression than those who dined with others.

With this, Riverside’s supported housing services across the country are holding a variety of events with residents including The Stages Academy in Middlesbrough who creatively held a beach-themed party with scrumptious fish and chips, battered sausage and ice cream on the menu.

“I thought the amount of effort put in was immense and even in staff’s own time. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable day and the food was good with a variety available. It was great to see staff taking part in the event which shows they are approachable and care, they are easy to get along with,” says 44-year-old David Kelman.

Fellow resident Iain Brown, 44, enjoyed the summer fun-fest, he said: “The Eat Together day was fun and it was good to interact with staff and other customers, the fish and chips was a good choice for the seaside theme.”

The Stages Academy provides safe and supportive accommodation for people aged 16 to 65 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with support needs across Teesside.

Iain has been living at The Stages Academy for 10 months and credits the service for saving his life. He continued: “Without The Stages Academy I may not be here today. Through some bad judgements I found myself alone, homeless and jobless having had a loving family, home and career.

“So being in a very dark place I was given the chance to move into The Stages Academy which I gladly accepted. With the superb help from all the staff here along with the great accommodation I managed to work through the internal programmes and attend my meetings. I have now managed to get my life back on track by regaining contact with my family and previous employers.”

Iain is now ready to move on to a home of his own and added: “I am now waiting to sign for the keys to my own property (although I would rather stay) and move back into independent living. The Stages has also assisted me in finding a training course to help me progress back into work.”

The supported service regularly holds day trips out and activities to help residents learn life skills such as cooking healthy meals at little cost and budgeting their money.

“The Stages can make a difference between life and death for many in here who may have been homeless, addicted, abused or in any kind of trouble. It can give us all the tools and help to achieve a better chance at succeeding in life,” reflects David who has been there two months.

The Stages Academy is a Places for Change scheme and has trial flats to help people live independent lives, as well as prevent homelessness, reduce re-offending, promote health and well-being, and tackle exclusion.

Karen Wilson, Riverside’s support worker The Stages Academy, said: “Despite the wet weather everyone had a great time as we improvised and held it indoors instead. But this didn’t dampen people’s spirits as they all enjoyed socialising together and enjoying each other’s company.

“The Eat Together campaign is a great way to highlight the benefits of socialising through food, bringing people together and being part of a community that improve peoples’ quality of life, which in turn combats loneliness and depression.”

You can find out more about The Stages Academy here.

Riverside is the third largest provider of homelessness services in the country, and its Care and Support operation works with over 16,000 customers every year.