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HOUSE 9 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

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HOUSE 9, ENTERPRISE COURTSTATEMENT OF PURPOSE

24HR SUPPORTED HOUSING


ContentsIntroduction___________________________________________________________________________________________________________3

Service Provider_______________________________________________________________________________________________________5

Scheme Manager______________________________________________________________________________________________________5

Quality Assurance__________________________________________________________________________________________________6-7

Structure of the Organisation________________________________________________________________________________________8

Responsible Person___________________________________________________________________________________________________8

Number of Staff, Experience and Qualifications____________________________________________________________________9

Volunteers____________________________________________________________________________________________________________10

Philosphy of Care____________________________________________________________________________________________________11

Aims and Objectives_____________________________________________________________________________________________12-13

Therapeutic Process_________________________________________________________________________________________________14

Restrictive Practice__________________________________________________________________________________________________15

Responsiblities_______________________________________________________________________________________________________16

Project Liasion Group (PLG)________________________________________________________________________________________17

Status of The Housing Scheme_____________________________________________________________________________________17

Number of Service Users to be Accomodated_____________________________________________________________________17

Categories of Care___________________________________________________________________________________________________17

Admission’s Criteria_________________________________________________________________________________________________18

Admission Panel’s Assessment of Risk_____________________________________________________________________________19

Referral and Allocation Procedure_____________________________________________________________________________19-22

Safety Management______________________________________________________________________________________________23-24

Arrangements for Reviews______________________________________________________________________________________25-26

Arrangements for Service Users to Engage in Social Activities, Hobbies and Leisure______________________27-28

Consultation with Service Users About the Operation of the Scheme___________________________________________29

Storage and Administration of Medication________________________________________________________________________30

Fire Precautions and Associated Emergency Procedures____________________________________________________30-31

Arrangments for Meeting Service Users Spiritual Needs_________________________________________________________31

Arrangements for Dealing with Complaints___________________________________________________________________32-33

Number and Size of Rooms in Scheme_____________________________________________________________________________34

Techniques Used in Scheme and Arrangements Made for Their Supervision__________________________________34

Maintaining the Privacy and Dignity of Service Users____________________________________________________________35

Leaving Procedure___________________________________________________________________________________________________36

Record Keeping__________________________________________________________________________________________________37-38

Date Approved and Implemented__________________________________________________________________________________39

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INTRODUCTION

Beacon, part of the NIAMH group (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health), is the largest and longest established independent charity focusing on mental health and wellbeing services in Northern Ireland. Beacon is structured as a group consisting of three elements: Beacon, Inspire and Carecall.

Our Mission

We want to build a flourishing society in which all people have access to services and support appropriate to their mental health and wellbeing needs.

To achieve this we will promote, support and explore flourishing mental wellbeing throughout society. We will be an exceptional organisation marked by excellence, efficiency and innovation.

Our Values

We provide high quality, professional and innovative services. We enable positive outcomes for the people who use our services.

We act with integrity and compassion. We engage with and inspire each other. We influence policy and public opinion.

Our Structure

Beacon provides support services to people with experience of mental illness through supported housing, day support and advocacy services. Beacon is the largest division in the group.

Carecall provides therapeutic support through employee assistance programmes, and specialist therapeutic services delivered in a wide variety of contexts.

Inspire provides support for approximately 90 people with learning disabilities in four service user locations in Northern Ireland – Armagh, Antrim, Lisburn and Omagh.

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NIAMH

Beacon

CarecallInspire


A Bit of NIAMH History

Lady Margaret Wakehurst established Beacon in 1959. At the core of Beacon’s services is the community-based support it provides to people who have had experience of mental illness.

Since its inception, in response to emerging needs, Beacon has developed Beacon support services in towns throughout Northern Ireland. Beacon now has fourteen Beacon Day Support centre’s with approximately 1,000 members attending regularly. Over the years, Beacon has continued to develop innovative additional services in response to the emerging needs of its service users. Through listening attentively to what our service users need, Beacon has been able to develop two Beacon support services with around 100 members, ten 24 hour supported housing schemes with 100 service users, nine non 24 hour supported housing schemes with approximately 90 service users as well as 3 Floating Support schemes which provide support to 35 people. Alongside these schemes Beacon has also developed four Beacon advocacy schemes which provided support to over 5,500 individuals last year.

While continuing to develop services to support those with experience of mental illness, research shows that mental health is not achieved simply by treating mental illness, but also by promoting positive mental wellbeing. In response to this, Beacon has broadened its services to include support for the whole population through mental health promotion and research. Carecall, with its focus on mental health support through counselling and other therapeutic interventions was set up in 2000 and now has a potential user base of 500,000 people. Last year Carecall delivered over 18,500 support sessions to over 4,500 people.

Inspire joined the Beacon family in October 2013 providing care for 90 people with learning disabilities in Lisburn, Antrim, Armagh and Omagh. Inspire employs approximately 200 staff in 24 hour service user care settings.

About House 9

House 9 (H9) is situated within Enterprise Court and is part of the Niamh family.

H9 is an Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit with a placement of 2 years. It is a 24 hour supported living accommodation consisting of 8 bedrooms. The utilization of H9 services is continuously adapting and changing in regard to age range, gender and mental health diagnosis due to the nature of the rehab unit.

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SERVICE PROVIDER

The provider is: The Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (NIAMH).

Name: Billy Murphy

Business Address: 80 University Street

Belfast

BT7 1HE

Company Number: NI 25428

Charity Number: XN 47885

SCHEME MANAGER

This is the name of the manager registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority.

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Mildred Groves,House 9, Enterprise Court,

Enterprise Road,Bangor,

Co Down,BT19 7TU


QUALITY ASSURANCE

Beacon strives continually to maintain and improve on the requirements of the following quality assurance standards.

Chartermark was awarded to Beacon in 2003. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s (NIHE) Quality Assessment Framework standards have also been adopted and implemented within all supported housing schemes.

The EFQM excellence model (Gold award) was awarded in 2012.

All staff involved in supporting and caring for service users undertake the Induction and Foundation Framework (IFF) within their probationary period. This course has been developed with and accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). The Investors in People award (IIP) was awarded for contributions to staff development in 2013.

Our Performance Management System allows for continuous commitment to providing a high quality service and promotes and nurtures an atmosphere of high performance in the workplace.

A comprehensive essential training programme is in place for Beacon staff and volunteers. There are opportunities for service users to avail of specific training courses.

Annual inspections and unannounced visits to the housing schemes are completed regularly by Beacon Service Managers who are not directly involved in the management of the scheme. This is to ensure objectivity and transparency.

Service users are also involved in inspection visits, recruitment and selection and have also input into policy review and development.

The service is inspected by the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority (RQIA), in line with the Domiciliary Care Regulations.

This service is registered with RQIA, who will regularly carry out inspections to ensure that high standards of care and support are maintained, to ensure that the service is appropriately

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http://www.niamhwellbeing.org/


managed and to ensure that staff are adequately trained and supported to provide high quality services.

RQIA is the independent body responsible for monitoring and inspecting the availability and quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland, and encouraging improvements in the quality of those services. Their role is to ensure that health and social care services in Northern Ireland are accessible, well managed and meet the required standards.

RQIA was established in 2005 under The Health and Personal Social Services Order 2003 (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland). The Order requires the DHSSPS to develop standards against which our quality of services can be measured.

Since April 2009, under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act 2009 (Northern Ireland), RQIA undertakes the functions previously carried out by of the Mental Health Commission.

What Do They Do?

RQIA registers and inspects a wide range of health and social care services. Inspections are based on minimum care standards which will ensure that both the public and the service providers know what quality of services are expected.

Inspectors will visit this service to examine all aspects of the care provided, to assure the comfort and dignity of those using the service, and ensure public confidence in the service.

RQIA also has a role in assuring the quality of services provided by the Health and Social Care (HSC) Board, HSC trusts and other agencies, to ensure that every aspect of care reaches the standards laid down by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and expected by the public.

Under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act 2009 (NI), RQIA undertakes a range of responsibilities for people with a mental illness and those with a learning disability. These include: preventing ill treatment; remedying any deficiency in care or treatment; terminating improper detention in a hospital or guardianship; and preventing or redressing loss or damage to a service user’s property.

Beacon has a delegated responsible person to oversee RQIA standards and ensure compliance within the organisation.

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STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANISATION

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

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Billy Murphy - Director of Mental Health ServicesBilly is the Director of Mental Health Services – Beacon. Billy studied Psychology at the

University of Ulster then began his career with Extern in 1986 where he worked in various projects. He qualified in Social Work in 1991 and initially worked for

Barnardos. In 1992 he took up post as a Social Worker with Older People in the South and East Belfast Trust. He moved to various roles, including: Senior Social Worker, Care Manager and Senior Care Manager. In 2002 he became Programme Planner for Mental Health Services in South and East Belfast Trust and when the Belfast Trust was formed in 2007, he became part of the Senior Management Team in Mental Health as A Service

Development Manager. This work involved the modernisation of the Trusts Mental Health Services. Billy has continually addressed his own development needs obtaining

relevant qualifications throughout his career.

Qualifications:BSc with Hons in Psychology & Sociology.

Masters in Social Work.Certificate of Qualification in Social Work.

Practice Teaching Award.Mental Health Social Work Award.

Post Qualifying Award in Social Work.Diploma in Health & Social Services Management.

Advanced Award in Social Work.

CEO - Peter McBride

Director of Mental Health Services - Billy

Murphy

Service Manager -

Tracey Ritchie

Service Manager -

Nicola Shanks

House Manager -

Mildred Groves

Service Manager - Ann

Wilson


NUMBER OF STAFF, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

There are 10 staff employed within H9 at present. All staff have at least 2 years’ experience working within mental health supported living services.

Home Manager, Mildred Groves, possesses a professional nursing qualification and NVQ level 4 in Management. Mildred is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Mildred has over 27 years’ experience in a managerial role.

All

staff have qualifications to GCSE level, 5 staff members are qualified to degree level and 5 staff members have completed vocational qualifications within the health and social care field. These include: NVQ and QCF qualifications.

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1 Home Manager 1 Senior Project Worker

4 full time Project Workers3 part time Project Workers1 Night Cover Worker

State Registered Nurse State Certified Midwife

Registered Mental Health Nurse

NVQ Level 4 in Management

Qualifications Of Manager


VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer involvement in Beacon services continues to provide a pivotal dimension in our response to the wider community and to supporting individuals who are experiencing severe and enduring symptoms and challenges of mental ill health.

Currently there is one volunteer linked to the provision of support for the service users in H9. Volunteers have proved beneficial for enhancing the quality of service.

Steps to work placements have also been of benefit in providing those who require experience to gain work placements. This is agreed in conjunction with the local college.

The scheme has also worked in partnership with the University of Ulster and Queens University in the provision of work placements for nursing students.

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PHILOSPHY OF CARE

By adopting this philosophy we can ensure good practice and a high quality of service delivery. This will help ensure a positive experience for our service user’s that is supportive to their recovery journey.

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H9 will ensure we are:

Safe

Effective

Compassionate

Well led


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

At House 9, we offer accommodation for a fixed period of 2 years. This is offered to support service user’s with a long history of mental illness to integrate into society. Within this 2 year period our service users engage in a rehabilitation and assessment process. Our aims during this period are:

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To offer a holistic service which provides support to all of the service user's individual needs.

To provide a recovery led service.

To support the development and maintainence of positive strategies to manage mental wellbeing.

To support the development and maintainence of positive strategies to manage phyiscal wellbeing.

To develop and maintain daily living skills.

To promote social inclusion.

To reduce hospital admissions.

To encourage client partcipation in all areas of their lives.

To ensure equality in the selection of new service user's regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or cultural

belief's.

To ensure the protection of service user's human rights.

To support our service user's to find appropriate accomodation when moving on from H9 and offer support through this move

on process.

To ensure all staff have sucessfully completed all mandatory training and have completed the competency framework.


Our Objectives To support service user’s in the development of daily living skills. Including: cooking,

cleaning, laundry, budgeting and personal care.

To create an atmosphere of autonomy within a mixed living environment.

To implement the process of our throughput plan with each service user.

To make available to service user’s facilities within the community that are available to

them.

To promote meaningful day activity and support service users to access this.

To ensure service users are involved in the development and review of Recovery Support

Plans and Safety Management Plans.

To build therapeutic relations with service user’s to encourage engagement in recovery.

To ensure service users are aware of their human rights.

To ensure service users are aware of their right to make a complaint and the procedure to

do so.

To offer a range of social outreach activities which cater to everyone’s preference.

To ensure the environment is safe and well kept.

To provide a service that staff would expect for themselves or their family.

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Service user has their own bedroom, en-suite and key.

Walking distance to shops, eateries and GP surgery.

Non-institutional environment.

High standard accommodation.

Health & safety checks completed in accordance with regulations.

Living area to relax & unwind.

Staff ensure communal environment is well kept.

Providing a Safe and Homely

Environment

Promote development & maintenance of friendships.

Leisure facilities are within 3 miles.

Outreach activities are offered by staff, including individual and group outreach.

Social activities are provided on site.

A communal meal is available once per day.

Partnership Meetings take place monthly.

Educational opportunities are promoted.

Promoting Social

InclusionIndividuals are supported to cook a communal meal each week.

Support with budgeting.

Support to manage positive emotional wellbeing.

Support to manage positive physical wellbeing.

Developing Life Skills Support to maintain living

environment.

Promote positive and respectful relationships with neighbours’.

Promote personal responsibility.

Support to manage household and domestic payments.

Maintenance of License

AgreementStrengths based Recovery Support Plans.

Support linked to individual needs.

Links with statutory mental health services.

Promote engagement in meaningful day support.

Promote family & carer involvement.

Promoting a Holistic Approach


THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

In accordance with the overall principles of the scheme, staff should encourage a social environment which provides all service users with support, friendliness, care, appropriate independence etc., while maintaining a homely environment. The goal is to enhance the quality of the service user’s life and to:

Development or promote maintenance of self-care. Development and promote maintenance of daily living skills. Development and promote maintenance of social integration. Development and promote maintenance of structure to the day. Development and promote maintenance of community

integration.

Promote and encourage personal responsibility. Promote and encourage self-advocacy. Promote and encourage participation in the development of

Recovery Support Plans and ensure these plans are strengths based.

How Do We Achieve This?

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RESTRICTIVE PRACTICE

A careful needs assessment is required to engage with service users positively when they present with challenging behaviour. This assessment is based on: the service user’s strengths, a comprehensive risk assessment and support planning in conjunction with statutory workers. Careful assessment should ensure staff are aware of why the service user presents in the way they do. This could include:

Socially inappropriate behaviour. Non-compliance, withdrawal or passivity. Aggressive or destructive behaviour. Self-harm.

To support a service user with managing a behaviour, consideration should be given to the reasons behind the behaviour. These may include: illness, medication, acute or chronic pain, or other situational factors.

There are many forms of restrictive practice, including but not limited to:

Blocking access to rooms. Locking doors. Seclusion. Use of bed rails. Setting restraints. Restricting access to money or belongings.

Restrictive practice is only implemented as a last resort and only following discussion with the multi-disciplinary team. This is reviewed periodically to ensure decisions are based on a balanced risk assessment. The impact of restrictive practice will be closely monitored, recorded and reviewed at agreed intervals.

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RESPONSIBLITIES

Employ suitably experienced staff to meet the needs of the service users. Provide appropriate support to service users following assessment of their

individual needs. Co-ordinate service users’ selection panels and review meetings. Liaise with statutory professionals and other key people involved in service users

package of care and support. Ensure accommodation is maintained to a high standard and within health and

safety requirements.

Refer service users to a relevant scheme which meets their criteria. Provide support to any Beacon Project Worker assisting in service user’s care. Attend bi-annual reviews, supplementary reviews and selection panel meetings as

required. Respond to emergencies as appropriate and required. Assist with the ongoing annual evaluation of the scheme.

Housing Association

Complete repairs and maintenance as required. Liaise with Project Workers’ as appropriate. Employ suitably experienced and qualified staff to complete maintenance and

housing management duties. Address tenancy issues.

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PROJECT LIASION GROUP (PLG)

A Project Liaison Group may be convened by the Service Manager where it is considered appropriate. In an advisory capacity the PLG will assist with the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the supported housing scheme.

The PLG will also facilitate good communication between the supported housing scheme and mental health teams (community or hospital based). Service users are represented within the PLG by attending meetings and by representation of service user views via the Scheme Manager.

Some examples of agenda items include:

Discussion on Referral and Review issues. Voids. Input from the Community Mental Health Team. Analysis of complaints and/or incidents. Evaluation and recommendations of the supported housing

schemes.

Membership of the PLG may consist of any of the following:

Service users. Beacon staff. Representatives of the Community Mental Health Team. There will be a maximum of two from any group

represented.

STATUS OF THE HOUSING SCHEME

Voluntary.

NUMBER OF SERVICE USERS TO BE ACCOMODATED

There are eight service users in total within the scheme, each requiring individual support to cater for their needs.

CATEGORIES OF CARE

An adult mental health issue is the primary diagnosis within H9. There are also a limited number of service users who have dual diagnosis, this includes examples such as: learning disability, addiction or personality disorder with mental illness.

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ADMISSION’S CRITERIA

S uitable Criteria

1. Aged 18 – 64.2. A mental illness diagnosed by a psychiatrist and is the primary condition.3. Physical health needs manageable within the scheme.4. The ability to move on from the supported housing scheme to less supported/more

independent living 5. A history of long-term hospitalisation, a number of admissions to hospital or a risk of

becoming institutionalized.6. Unable to self-medicate.7. Unable to manage finances.8. Registered incapable with the office of Care and Protection.9. Applicant has a desire to move into supported accommodation and avail of services

provided.10. A forensic history where the individual has had a period of stability and the level of

risk can be managed within supported housing.

Unsuitable Criteria

1. Severe dementia.2. Learning disability is the primary condition.3. Personality disorder is the primary condition.4. A physical disability which would require significant assistance.5. Addiction is the primary condition.6. In need of a high level of supervision/nursing care.7. A forensic history with high levels of risk around violence/aggression towards others

which would pose too much of a risk. This will include limited periods of stability, non-compliance and recent incidents.

8. History of sexual offences/inappropriate sexual behaviour which would pose too much of a risk to vulnerable adults/children. This will include legal restrictions, limited periods of stability, non-compliance and recent incidents.

9. Applicant does not wish to move into supported housing or avail of services provided.

10. Applicant does not require support.

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ADMISSION PANEL’S ASSESSMENT OF RISK

When reviewing historical information the panel will take the following into consideration:

Recency – When was the last incident of harm to self or others? Severity – How serious have previous incidents been? Frequency – How frequent are incidents of harm to self or others? Pattern – Is there a common pattern to the type of incident or the context in which

it occurs? Likelihood – How likely is it that the event will reoccur?

REFERRAL AND ALLOCATION PROCEDURE

The referral process is arranged in such a way as to include the applicant, their referral agent and where applicable, their family and/or carer at every stage of the process.

The majority of referrals will come through local Community Mental Health Teams or their equivalent. On occasion referrals will be considered from other sources, for example:

The Housing Executive or Housing Association. Other statutory and/or voluntary agencies. Self (must be supported by the completion of a referral form by a statutory worker

or housing officer).

The referral process begins with contact from a referral agent or individual. The relevant Scheme Manager or nominated staff member will set a date and time for an initial visit. These details are logged on the Checklist for Referral, Admission and Moving On.

At the initial visit the prospective service user will be shown around the scheme and introduced to staff, volunteers and other service users. Appropriate information will be discussed as follows:

The social care context of our work including the use of Recovery Support Plans and the balance of support and care.

Rent, bank account details and other charges. Tenancy requirements and name of the landlord. The service user’s rights and responsibilities. The Service User Guide. Recovery and wellbeing. Safety Management Plans. Any physical health issues. The referral process and documentation required (see Checklist S-1-2-1).

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A one month follow up date is noted to check if a referral is to be submitted. If not, or it is delayed, the reason for this is recorded in the appropriate section of the Checklist for Referral, Admission and Moving On.

It is preferred that the applicant complete as much of the Referral Form (S-1-2-2) as is possible although some details may require the assistance of the referrer. Any blank areas of the referral form will be discussed at the Referral Meeting.

The Referral Form will be accompanied by:

A Housing/Transfer Application Form (Northern Ireland Housing Executive). An up to date Risk Screening Tool (where applicable). A Comprehensive Risk Assessment (where applicable). A Physical Health Questionnaire completed by the applicant. Any other relevant correspondence or information.

When a vacancy occurs potential referrers will be informed. The manager or designated staff member will organise a Referral Meeting with the prospective service user and referral agent. During the Referral Meeting the Referral Form, Risk Screening Tool, Physical Health Questionnaire and Comprehensive Risk Assessment will be discussed and the Member Agreement and Initial Support Plan completed. Where a phased transition is required a Safety Management Plan will be completed on arrival. For all referrals a Safety Management Plan will be completed prior to the initial review. Issues raised in the Physical Health questionnaire will be followed up with a GP so as to seek advice regarding possible interventions or particular types of support required for an individual.

Applicants are required to have a bank account and sufficient funds or entitlement to benefits that will cover the costs of accommodation and/or support.

A decision will be made as to the suitability of the service and applicant, and an indication of a start date shared at the end of the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter. The outcome of the meeting will be confirmed in a letter to the applicant and copied to the referral agent. If a referral is unsuccessful or declined, the reason is noted in the appropriate section of the Checklist for Referral and Moving On, the appropriate letter sent to those applicable and all statutory forms will be returned to the referrer.

The Scheme Manager will maintain a file for all referrals and/or applications that do not progress beyond this point for reference purposes.

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Step 1 - Contact From Referral Agent

Step 2 - Initial Visit

Step 3 - Submission of Referral Documents

Step 4 - Decision Letter Sent


An Admissions Panel Report will be completed, a decision made on the most suitable applicant and an offer of accommodation will be made. The Admissions Panel Report will include appropriate details of the decisions taken, recommendations regarding alternative services available for unsuitable applicants and details of the appeals procedure as appropriate. A letter/email regarding the outcome of the panel will be sent to the applicant and the referral agent.

A trial period can be agreed to meet both the needs of the applicant and the scheme.

On arrival at the scheme a new service user will be met by a member of staff and a process of induction will begin. This includes sharing relevant information, completing relevant paperwork and discussing issues around authorisation and consent in the areas noted below. It is expected that these issues will be worked through over an agreed period of time, with the Scheme Manager signing off on the Checklist for Referral prior to the 6 week review. On occasion, new service users may be unable to engage in the formal administrative process within the specified timescales. This will be recorded in the Any Other Information section of the checklist and the circumstances discussed and noted in the initial review.

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Information to be completed includes: Service user file and photo in

place.

Physical Health Assessment.

Medication systems updated.

Health Alert and red sticker in file (where applicable).

Safety Management Plan.

GOS (General Operating System) set up.

License to Occupy.

Finance Administration. SPOCC entry. Housing Benefit applied for. Standing order(s) completed. NICORE form complete. Allocation of Key Worker. 6 week review date in scheme

diary. 6 month review date in scheme

diary.

A Service User Guide is provided to each individual and includes: Scheme leaflet. Details of scheme charges. Recovery Support Plan Complaints procedure. Fire safety and evacuation procedure. Safeguarding and advocacy leaflets. Regulator information. Local area information.

Each service user will have a personal record file which is marked “Private and Confidential”. Service users have open access to their file and may request copies of relevant documentation.

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SAFETY MANAGEMENT

It is Beacon’s policy to ensure that all staff know if a service users presents a significant risk of self-harm or a danger to self or others, and which service users are vulnerable to abuse or exploitation. This is in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of service users, staff, volunteers and others.

A copy of the Risk Screening Tool completed by the referral agent should accompany the referral form and must be received before the panel meeting. The Risk Screening Tool informs the Comprehensive Risk Assessment. Not all new applicants will have a Comprehensive Risk Assessment as it is agreed and drawn up by the Multi-Disciplinary Team. If the manager receives a copy of the Comprehensive Risk Assessment, and the applicant is unsuccessful, the copy must be returned to the referral agent.

Safety Management Plans are used to identify issues in relation to safety and risk and to inform Recovery Support Plans. Not all service users will require a Safety Management Plan. Where issues are identified as part of the referral process, on receipt of a Risk Screening Tool or Comprehensive Risk Assessment, these are recorded in the Initial Support Plan, Safety Management Plan and Recovery Support Plan following the six week

review.

Safety Management Plans will be completed for all service users receiving support with medication administration. Plans will identify any concerns in relation to capacity, compliance, abuse or overdose, and note any allergies, physical issues, transport or storage issues.

Safety Management Plans will be discussed and amended where necessary at all reviews, this will include contact with the referral agent to ensure the scheme retains an up-to-date Risk Screening Tool and/or Physical Health Assessment were necessary. Issues will be discussed as part of the review and recommendations will be made regarding ongoing support planning and service delivery.

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Current risks identified either because of physical or mental health become part of the service user’s Support Plan. This will be a dynamic document that is adjusted throughout the year to reflect changes in risk, for example as a result of a review, an incident, or to reflect a change in circumstances. Safety Management Plans should be revisited at least annually at a review.

Statistical information regarding the number of service users requiring support/care with risk issues will be collated and submitted by the manager as part of the Monthly Monitoring Report and annually within the annual report.

Principles for working with Risk – Positive Risk Taking

Risk is a normal everyday experience. Risk is dynamic and continuously changing in response to changing circumstances. Assessment of risk is enhanced by accessing multiple sources of information. Identification of risk carries a duty to do something about it – that is, risk management. Risk can be minimized, but not eliminated.

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ARRANGEMENTS FOR REVIEWS

Service users have the opportunity and choice to participate in the completion of their files. Service users are actively encouraged to be involved in their Recovery Support Plans and Recovery Support Plan Reviews. All reviews are organised by the Scheme Manager or nominated person and may include the service user’s key worker, statutory key worker/referral agent, carer/s and other significant parties as appropriate.

The review documentation should be completed prior to the review with the service user. If any of the applicable forms or processes have not been completed, the reason/s must be clearly stated in the service user’s file and further date/s agreed for completion of the forms/processes. As the documentation forms the basis of a service user’s file it is important that information is recorded accurately and appropriately.

Stages of the Review Process

Initial Review

The date for the Initial Review meeting is set 6 weeks after a service users start date. The Initial Review form is completed as part of the review meeting which involves a review of the service user’s notes, Recovery Support Plan, Safety Management Plan, incidents, assessment of support/care and should include a review of the key working relationship. Anyone unable to attend the review may submit a comment for consideration prior to the review.

Recovery Support Plan

Following the 6 week review the Initial Support Plan will be replaced with a Recovery Support Plan. Recovery support planning is about establishing the mutual agenda of work between the person receiving services and the staff member. The Recovery Support Plan will be based on an individual’s strengths and preferences and include agreed outcomes.

Strengths Assessment

The Strengths Assessment follows on from the Strengths Worksheet section of the Referral Form and is to be used at least annually, after a review or as required to enable further planning.

Support will respond to the changing needs of service users as required, with an aim to support the service user in their own home for as long as possible. Care services assessed and commissioned by the local Trust may also be provided.

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Recovery Outcome Review

The first Recovery Outcome Review is organised 6 months after the Initial Review. Subsequent reviews (held annually or bi-annually) will use the Recovery Outcome Review, the first page of which is an opportunity for the service user and their Beacon key worker to summarise the individual’s recovery journey. The pre-review Service User Questionnaire will also be completed with any issue raised becoming part of the review.

Supplementary Review

In response to changes, concerns, issues or incidents, a Supplementary Review may be arranged. Those present will receive a report on the relevant issues and agree appropriate changes to the Safety Management Plan and/or the Recovery Support Plan.

Information and Agreement Update

To ensure accurate and up to date information is easily accessible the Information and Agreement Update will be completed and placed in section 1 of the service user’s file when any of the relevant information changes and in particular following a review.

Service user’s Rights

Staff must work with the service user in a courteous manner which respects their individuality, safeguards their rights and exemplifies the core values of the service. This includes their rights as citizens including their Human Rights, welfare rights and tenancy rights. This will be achieved through partnership working with the service user and the relevant statutory agencies.

While Service users are consulted at all stages of the planning and review process they retain the right to ask for a review at any time and/or to appeal any decisions taken at a review. To do this, they will in the first instance, make their wishes known to the Scheme Manager or they can initiate the Beacon Complaints Procedure.

If a service user is dissatisfied with the Beacon support service, the Scheme Manager should address this with the service user. The service user has redress to the complaints procedure at any stage. If a service user wants to change support provider, this should be referred to the statutory key worker to consider and facilitate this request. Changing to a different support provider will not impact on tenancy rights.

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In Scheme

Activities

Cooking Playing Board Games

Accessing Internet via

scheme computer

DVD Nights

Creative Writing

BakingPainting

Card Making

Quizzes

Gardening


ARRANGEMENTS FOR SERVICE USERS TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, HOBBIES AND LEISURE

During the Strengths Assessment, staff work along with service users to identify social outlets that are of interest to the service user. Staff will then support the service user to access these. Support can range from encouragement to attend activities to co-ordinating and supporting the service user to attend.

In keeping with social integration, service users are encouraged to access these activities outside of the scheme environment. However some activities and hobbies are nurtured within the scheme. These include:

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There are regular outreach activities arranged by staff at H9. These activities are decided by service users and are on an individual or group basis. Outreach activities include:

Every service user is encouraged to establish meaningful activity in their day. Service users are reminded of the positive impact structure and routine can have when developing positive mental wellbeing.

There is currently one Service user who attends the local Beacon centre. This provides the service user with a group to facilitate activities and meet to undertake hobbies and form friendships.

Service users are encouraged to maintain contact with their families. Staff encourage service users to take responsibility for the planning and implementation of family visits. Service users are encouraged to welcome their families into their home and families are also encouraged to visit the scheme.

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Outside Scheme

Activities

Ulster Rugby Match

WWE @ the SSE Arena

Volunteering @ Assissi

Group Fishing Trip

Manchester United Match

Cinema Trips

Resident's Holiday

Coffee Outtings

Breakfast Club

Shopping Trips

Lunch

Group Visit to the Continental Market

Trips to the Theatre

Group Visit to the Tall Ships


CONSULTATION WITH SERVICE USERS ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME

Service users are involved in all aspects of their individual support, this also includes group support provided by the scheme. It is important in communal living settings that all service users’ views are taken into consideration. To ensure this happens we hold monthly Partnership Meetings. These meetings are chaired by a staff member and aim to discuss ongoing issues and concerns within the house. These meetings give service users an opportunity to contribute to house decisions. By doing so this promotes self-advocacy and individual empowerment.

If an issue arises in between Partnership Meetings, staff will speak with service users individually to get their view on the matter. All views will be discussed and a decision will be made on how best to move forward whilst respecting the views of everyone. These decisions may range from what colour to paint a communal room to delegation of communal chores.

Service users are made aware and reminded regularly how to make a complaint, should they be unsatisfied with any aspect of service provisions. This allows for continuous development and also ensures that service users have their rightful voice within the house.

Service users are also encouraged to participate in Beacon Voice, an internal organisational forum of service users which is held quarterly. Beacon Voice aims to:

Share views, experiences and opinions in order to influence the policy, direction and future planning of services within Beacon.

Enhance and develop communication between service users at all levels, between service users and staff, and between service users and the Beacon Board.

Monitor and review service user involvement within Beacon. Monitor the implementation of the Beacon strategic objectives. Assist in the promotion of the Beacon Social Care Model for flourishing mental health. Assist with the development of training initiatives for service users. Organise events to promote service user involvement. Influence policy and lobbying within Government and local areas.

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STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

All service users are registered with a General Practitioner. He/she will prescribe the service users medication. Medication may also be prescribed by the service users’ psychiatrist.

The administration of medication is the responsibility of appropriately trained staff.

Medication is stored in locked purpose made medicine cupboards. The keys are kept in a separate locked cabinet.

Service users who are self-medicating will be provided with lockable cabinets or drawer for the safe storage of their medication. Before this is agreed, a comprehensive assessment is undertaken in partnership with the service user, service users GP, Consultant Psychiatrist and named key worker within the unit.

Further information on the safe handling, administration, storage and disposal of medication is available in the policy and procedure manual.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Beacon, so far as is reasonably practicable, will manage in compliance with Part 3 of the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006.

The NI Fire and Rescue service will be the enforcing authority and will visit the premises to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation. Under new legislation all premises will be required to have a current fire risk assessment.

A Fire Safety Record File will be held within each scheme (please refer to complete policy document). This file should contain sections for the following records:

Fire risk assessment. Sample fire notice. Annual test certificates. Fire drill records. Record of training. Records of maintenance checks carried out by the scheme.

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As detailed in our policy and procedure manual HS06– Fire safety policy and procedure – the aims of this policy is to:

Prevent incidents of fire occurring. Initiate prompt and effective action in the event of an incident. Enable staff to manage any incident of fire until the arrival of the fire

service. Ensure service users, visitors and members of staff can be safely and

quickly evacuated.

ARRANGMENTS FOR MEETING SERVICE USERS SPIRITUAL NEEDS

Information of all the local religious establishments and services should be on display in a communal area within the scheme. Information is also contained in the Service User’s Guide on how to locate religious services of the service user’s choice.

If service users require accompaniment to their service of choice this should be facilitated and form part of the service users Recovery Support Plan.

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ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS

As detailed in our policy and procedure manual Q-1-6– Complaints Procedure. This procedure is intended to cover all persons involved in the work of Beacon, the complaints procedure is in accordance with the Quality Assessment Framework and Chartermark.

A concern relates to a minor issue raised or a minor concern expressed and should be recorded as a ‘low risk concern’. A low risk concern can be resolved to the person’s satisfaction within 24 hours. The person with operational responsibility will use their discretion to assess the appropriate classification. A register of low risk concerns will be maintained within the scheme and will be reviewed as part of ongoing monthly monitoring. A Service Improvement Plan (SIP) may or may not be completed following a low risk concern.

A complaint relates to ‘any expression of dissatisfaction requiring a response’ about the service. This Complaints Procedure does not deal with complaints about services that are not provided by Beacon. These should be referred on to the appropriate organisation and the complainant should be supported with this.

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Complaint Received Part A Completed

Complaint forwarded to Senior/Service Manager

Complaint forwarded to AD/DirectorPart B Completed

Risk Rating / Investigation Team / Terms of Reference / Timescales

Complaint InvestigationPart C completed

Outcome provided to AD/DirectorPart D completed

Outcome and learning shared / SIP monitored

All documentation centrally filedQuality Manager issues questionnaire to

complainant


NUMBER AND SIZE OF ROOMS IN SCHEME

TECHNIQUES USED IN SCHEME AND ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR THEIR SUPERVISION

As an assessment and rehabilitation unit H9 adopts a strengths based approach. Staff at H9 use NIAMH’s Annual Strengths Assessment to support service user’s to recognize and identify individual strengths. This informs a service users Recovery Support Plan and allows for the development and maintenance of existing strengths.

Staff are given the opportunity to access extra training that may benefit the scheme. 2 staff have completed WRAP training allowing them to facilitate 1:1 sessions with service users. 1 staff member has completed KUF training to better understand how to work with service users with Personality Disorder. Staff share knowledge of training to inform application of therapeutic techniques.

To ensure therapeutic technics are being adopted, staff are given an opportunity to reflect on practice through formal supervision. This is an opportunity for staff to give and receive feedback and identify need for further development.

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MAINTAINING THE PRIVACY AND DIGNITY OF SERVICE USERS

At H9 we protect our service user’s privacy in a variety of ways, including:

Maintaining confidentiality. Closing the door when service users come to the office

for 1:1 sessions. Providing every service user with a key to their room

and only entering rooms after being invited in by the service user (service users are aware staff may enter their room in an emergency situation).

At all times staff work to protect the dignity of service users, including:

Addressing service users by their preferred name. Showing respect to service users despite personal opinion. Working without prejudice.

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LEAVING PROCEDURE

As part of the support offered at H9, we support service users to find move on accommodation suitable to their specific needs. This is a multidisciplinary process with input from staff, statutory worker, care management and relevant housing associations.

Service users moving on must give four weeks’ notice, in writing, to the Scheme Manager. Scheme charges must be paid in full to the final date of notice. Should the service user be seeking or have found alternative accommodation a member of the Community Mental Health Team will be responsible for coordinating their resettlement.

A service user may be asked to leave if they are not complying with the conditions of their License to Occupy. This is in conjunction with the appropriate Housing Association personnel. The Assistant Director for Accommodation & Governance must be kept fully informed.

A letter of termination giving 4 weeks’ notice will be sent to the service user by the Service Manager if the service user has a License to Occupy.

The service user’s key worker in the Community Mental Health Team will be involved and kept informed at all stages.

The service user should have suitable, alternative, accommodation to go to before their departure.

The Scheme Manager will notify Beacon Finance Department of leavers, in order that rent/arrears are coordinated, and for Supporting People to be informed. The Scheme Manager must update SPOCC. All rent/arrears should be paid in full and all keys returned.

If a service user has not been using their accommodation for a period of time the Scheme Manager must inform the relevant Housing Association to enable the abandonment process to be initiated.

If a service user is moving to a service outside Beacon, or within Beacon, a copy of the service user’s Recovery Support Plan, if deemed appropriate, and with the Service user’s consent, may be given to the organisation. An up-to-date Information and Agreement Update and a resume of the service user’s personal history should also be sent.

The Checklist for Referral, Admission and moving on –Acc, must be completed to ensure all relevant processes are recorded.

Death

In the event of the death of a service user, ensure all relevant people are made aware in accordance with the Beacon Policy & Procedure Manual. Files should be closed and held for a

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period of 8 years. The date for shredding the file should be clearly recorded on the front of the file and a record kept.

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RECORD KEEPING

Good record keeping is an integral part of professional practice and is essential to the provision of safe and effective support/care. As well as individual Professional Codes of Practice there are also national standards and regulations that must be met to ensure good record keeping practice. Record keeping will ensure that requirements of Beacon standards are met. There will be a separate book or files on the following:-

Finance:

Petty cash book. File for monthly statements. Lodgement book. Individual records for service users monies. Safe contents ledger.

Health and Safety Records

Health and Safety - It is a policy of Beacon to ensure that supported housing schemes provide a safe and secure environment for service users and staff. See Policy and Procedure Manual for Supported Housing Schemes for more detailed policies. The following procedure is monitored in scheme:

Incident reporting procedure. First-Aid box - All staff receive training in basic resuscitation. A First Aid box is

maintained and checked every month by a designated member of staff. COSHH - All substances categorised as hazardous to health will be stored in keeping with

the health and safety regulations of 1990.

Service Users’ File:

Each service user will have a personal record file which is marked “Private and Confidential”. Service users have open access to their file and may request copies of relevant documentation.

In accordance with the Data Protection Policy (C-11) the service user file will be kept in a locked cabinet to which there is restricted access i.e. to Beacon staff and senior managers, relevant stakeholders and regulators.

Each file will be identified with the Beacon service user’s name clearly displayed on the outer cover both on the front and side, and as required, a passport size photo inside of section 1.

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The Health Alert form will be located in the file and service user’s name printed on both the outside spine and front of the service user’s file.

Requests from legal personnel for access to or copies of service user’s files must be submitted in writing to the Director of Mental Health Services, Beacon.

Files for service users should include the following documentation (as appropriate):

All information kept in the file should be clearly marked with the service user’s name. Any written documentation must be completed in black ink. (A person with a diagnosis of

Dyslexia is permitted to use an alternative colour of ink which is appropriate for them (e.g. red, green or blue). All extra entries must be signed (not initialed) and dated.

All documentation must be securely fastened into the file in the correct section in line with Beacon specifications.

TIPPEX must not be used on any written documentation in relation to service users.

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DATE APPROVED AND IMPLEMENTED

This Statement of Purpose was approved by:

Signature:…..………………………………

Date:………………………………………….

Implemented:…………………………….

REVIEW

This document will be reviewed on an annual bases from date of implementation or as and when service provisions for the unit change.

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