title: Mental health. Picking up the pieces.
abstract: Research in Leeds had identified a group of mental health users whose lifestyles were often destructive and who appeared to be on an endless cycle of care between various statutory agencies. Oakwood Hall, a joint-funded, voluntary sector hostel has developed a holistic approach for 'difficult to place' individuals, enabling them to move back into mainstream support services. The objective of the service is to combine compassion with a nonjudgemental stance, encouraging social integration of clients, combined with boundaries for individual behaviour. The service offers respite care and a 24-hour telephone support system. The approach has led to a significant and positive change for many.
authors.affiliation: Oakwood Hall.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Woolmore
mesh_terms: D003419:Crisis Intervention; D004739:England; D016352:Group Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D012144:Respite Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D013808:Therapeutic Community