Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the Residents of Airds - During and Beyond Housing Renewal

The suburb of Airds and surrounding areas in South-Western Sydney are currently undergoing housing renewal, changing from predominantly social housing to a mixed-housing community. Current evidence suggests that housing renewal can improve quality of life for residents depending on the way it is done. This research was undertaken to gain insight into the mental health and wellbeing of Airds residents during the time of housing renewal and how to best support their needs, through the views of local service providers and volunteers. At the time of this study, housing renewal was proceeding, with demolishing and new building of houses taking place. Some social housing tenants were moving away from Airds and private owners moving in.