Olivia Hill, a 33-year-old former registered nurse, is living in a tent after High Peak Borough Council told her she is not a priority for emergency housing, despite her severe mental health problems. The council provided her with a tent, sleeping bag, and food vouchers, but she says she feels 'broken and distraught'.
Council's Decision and Mental Health Assessment
Hill, who has borderline personality disorder, was deemed 'high risk' for shared accommodation due to her mental health. She applied for homelessness assistance on June 9, but the council issued a 'not in priority need decision', stating they were 'not satisfied' she was vulnerable as defined by law. The council said it would continue with 'relief duty' and refer her to a housing association for support.
Hill also sought hospital admission but was told she did not meet the criteria. 'The mental health team at the hospital won’t admit me, and the council won’t house me because I’m a mental health risk. I’m apparently not eligible for a house, but a tent on public land is fine,' she said.
Living Conditions and Support
Hill had been sleeping in her car for three days before receiving the tent. She was initially suggested to pitch it near Woodhead Reservoir. The council gave her food vouchers for Tesco and Greggs, but she cannot cook some items due to lack of equipment. She is claiming Universal Credit at the lowest rate and expects an increase next month. The council's homelessness team continues to check on her welfare.
'I have been completely failed by the NHS and local government,' Hill said. 'How they can say I am not vulnerable, I have no idea.'
