Posted on: 21 March 2022
CNWL is launching its first Crisis Recovery House in North Westminster today. This will be part of a wider offer of crisis services that is currently available within CNWL, including a range of partnerships with third sector organisations such as British Red Cross, One Westminster and The Cove; each of which provide more choice for patients who are experiencing a period of crisis.
The Trust recognises that there are many different ways to provide better, more therapeutic care to patients so significant transformation and improvement work has been delivered over the past year across the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea (K&C) and Westminster.
The Crisis Recovery house will provide 24/7 supported accommodation for patients under the Home Treatment Team (HTT) in an environment that may be more appropriate and effective in the journey to recovery for some individuals. The aim is for it to increase the existing HTT support, promoting choice and recovery for patients.
The First Response Team, K&C Home Treatment Team, HTT Managers for K&C and Westminster and Step Down Manager at the Crisis Recovery House launch day
Cate Latto, One Community Lead, will be assisting with this project by involving those who stay at the crisis house in One Community’s activities (read more here) and ensuring the house is decorated in a therapeutic and welcoming way. Cate says: “we look forward to having One Community voices influence what a Crisis House can be, and the ways it can genuinely support people. The One Community movement has a wealth of experience helping to orientate and include people with a network of support that can see them through a crisis and beyond.”
Nicola Jhumat, Assistant Director for KCW Urgent Care, Kris Ho, Strategy and Transformation Manager, and Gillian Rennie, Westminster HTT Manager, say: “We are very excited to launch the first ever crisis house in CNWL. This project has long been talked about but is now finally happening! We hope the crisis house offers a place where people can recover and get extra support from HTT and crisis house staff. We are keen for the project to link in with the local community resources so we can support people to access them and ensure good outcomes for our KCW patients.”
This recovery-focused service will provide structured interventions and support that will enable the patient’s recovery and return to home. Daily activities which will include group work from psychoeducation to more informal group discussions and activities. Identification of ongoing community support or resources is key to accommodation within a crisis house, and this is undertaken in partnership with the patient and community resources.
This is a 12-month pilot provision which will enable CNWL to continue working with the local community, patients and carer representatives to ensure the needs of people are being supported.