Our Partners in Health

Since 2005 we have been in partnership with external providers of holistic mental health

services.

 

They are a small dedicated multi-disciplinary team working with Young People who are Looked After in various provisions, including Care Afloat.

 

This service is reserved for a number of our beds. This excellent team commences assessment upon

admission to Care Afloat and works closely with our staff teams in developing interventions and training to best meet each Young Person’s needs.

 

On admission, health and developmental information is sought from the Young Person’s family and Social Worker. With current observations from our Care and Education staff, a generic Assessment is

conducted, and the findings discussed with us at Care Afloat.

 

This is followed by discipline-specific programme as recommended in the assessment. These offer

conclusions and a Care Plan that may include intervention in a variety of forms, such as regular direct

contact with a clinician, or joint working between a clinician and a link worker and can include a full

psychological or psychiatric assessment. Strategies are discussed at Care Afloat’s monthly Team

meetings and training for staff arranged as necessary. A truly holistic and 24/7 approach can then be put in place. 

 

The team also provides specialist training as part of Care Afloat's comprehensive Staff

Development Programme, developing staff training parallel to the needs of the young person.

 

Reports are written and distributed to appropriate professionals following all assessments and courses of intervention. Clinicians aim to attend Young People’s inter-agency meetings, reviews and team meetings.

All clinicians are fully qualified, highly professional and committed to multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working.

Frustrated by years of failing to access health assessments without a

12 month wait, we decided to seek our own partners to ensure quick

access to services.