Building Stability

For most of us, home is somewhere we rarely stop to think about. It’s where we rest, recharge, and feel safe. But for vulnerable people and those facing mental health challenges, secure housing can mean the difference between moving forward in life or feeling stuck. At WCL Mind, our Housing Management Service helps ensure that people not only have a roof over their heads but also the stability and dignity they deserve.

Our service manages homes on behalf of social landlords, but it is built around people, not properties. The team helps with everything from repairs and lettings to rent collection, safety checks, and tackling antisocial behaviour.

“At its heart, this is about much more than bricks and mortar,” says Dayo Balogun, who leads the team. “We’re supporting people who need that extra bit of help to keep their tenancy and move forward with their lives.”

Dayo has always been drawn to housing. “Shelter is one of the most basic human needs,” he explains. “Even if you have food and clothing, life becomes unstable without a safe place to call home.” His first degree dissertation was about housing and socioeconomic characteristics, an interest that has deepened over time. Dayo found his true calling when he began working with vulnerable tenants. “It brings together my skills in housing with my passion for making a real difference.”

No two days are the same for the Housing Management team. Calls about repairs, arranging access for contractors, checking fire alarms, dealing with rent accounts, and supporting tenants with benefits are everyday occurrences.

One of the biggest challenges for people moving into supported housing is setting up a home from scratch. “Some landlords hand over the keys to an empty property, bare floorboards and nothing else,” Dayo explains. “For someone vulnerable, that can be overwhelming. We make sure people have the basics, things like white goods and a bed, so they can start living from day one.”

The impact of stable housing can be life-changing. Dayo recalls one tenant who had been homeless, which severely affected their mental health. “They’d lost their job, their connections with family and friends, everything. Once we were able to provide them with a safe, stable flat, their life turned around. They rebuilt relationships, started volunteering, and began to look forward again. The change was like night and day.”

Many tenants show just how much they value their homes. One woman in Westminster, for example, is fiercely protective of her flat, keeping it spotless and welcoming guests only under clear house rules. “That’s what we want to see,” Dayo says. “It’s about building independence and pride in your home. When people feel it’s truly theirs, it gives them the foundation to grow.”

Managing properties across Westminster, Brent, and Wandsworth brings inevitable pressures. Issues can arise suddenly, from benefit suspensions to urgent repair needs. “It can be overwhelming,” Dayo admits. “But it’s also incredibly rewarding, because you know every effort is directly helping someone keep their home.”

Dayo’s vision for the service is ambitious but grounded: to grow, support more people, and be recognised for the quality of care provided. “My dream is for WCL Mind to be known across the sector for excellent housing management services, with landlords actively seeking us out. One day, I’d love for us to become landlords ourselves, so we can reinvest directly into wider mental health support.”

For Dayo, it always comes back to the basics. “Stable housing changes lives. It gives people the dignity and security to recover, grow, and move forward. Every tenancy we help sustain is another step towards a fairer, more supportive community.”

Find out more and get in touch with the Housing Management team here