Olivia Hill, a 33-year-old former registered nurse, has been left living in a tent after High Peak Borough Council told her she is not a 'priority need' for emergency housing. The council provided her with a tent, sleeping bag, and food vouchers, but she claims she was deemed 'high risk' for shared accommodation due to her mental health.
Mental Health Crisis and Homelessness
Hill, who has 'severe' and fluctuating mental health problems including borderline personality disorder, says she was also turned away by the NHS because she did not meet admission criteria for hospital care. She told the Manchester Evening News: 'I don't meet mental health criteria despite having an extensive mental health history... Now they've left me with a tent and a food bag as I'm not a priority apparently for housing.'
She became homeless at the start of July 2026 after living with family in Glossop, then staying in hostels in Manchester and Cornwall before returning to Glossop with no money. She is single with no children and receives the lowest amount of Universal Credit, expecting an increase next month.
Council's Decision and Response
Hill made a homeless application on June 9, 2026. In a document shared with the Manchester Evening News, the council stated she had been 'issued with a not in priority need decision' but would continue 'with trying to relieve your homelessness as part of the ongoing relief duty.' The council said it was 'not satisfied' she was vulnerable as defined and would refer her to a housing association for additional support.
Hill claims the council initially suggested she pitch her tent near Woodhead Reservoir, Longdendale. She said: 'Instead, they brought me a tent and a sleeping bag and apologised... The homeless team will not house me in a shared home because they believe I am too high-risk because of my mental health.' The tent and food were given to her in a B&M Bargains car park. She cannot eat some food due to lacking cooking equipment and also received vouchers for Tesco and Greggs.
Impact and Ongoing Struggles
Hill said she feels 'broken and distraught' and has no money. She had been sleeping in her car for three days before receiving the tent. She said: 'I have been in a mental health crisis on and off for a month. Apparently, I do not need a hospital admission, but I am too unstable to go into a home. I do not know how the council can say I am not vulnerable. I have been completely failed by the NHS and local government.'
The council's homelessness team continues to check on her welfare at her campsite. Hill's case highlights gaps in support for single homeless individuals with mental health issues who do not meet priority need criteria under the Housing Act 1996.
