Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCs) can meet the needs of a person who requires accommodation and support in order to improve the social wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland. This is set out in article 15 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972.
Article 15 is a broad provision and can apply where a person’s need for care and support services is a result of a mental illness or impairment. The services that HSCs can provide to a person in need include:
A person may qualify for services where a person is being discharged from hospital or who is living in the community and has care and support needs related to their mental health which do not require admission to hospital.
Care and support provided under article 15 is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes and can be provided to a person regardless of their immigration status, including a person who is subject to the ‘no recourse to public funds’ (NRPF) condition.
