Introduction
The Arbours runs three therapeutic communities where men and women in emotional, psychological and
social difficulties can live in a supportive therapeutic environment. All of the houses are situated
in quiet residential areas of North London. They are comfortably furnished and can accommodate up to
eight residents in single rooms with communal rooms shared by everyone. When possible we try to
ensure an even balance between male and female residents and we attempt to provide as wide a range
and diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds as possible.
Aims and Objectives
We aim to maintain a nurturing, non-institutional, home-like atmosphere where respect for the freedom
and unique potential of each individual is honoured. We see it as our task to help residents face
and work on the difficulties that may be impeding their growth, and to motivate them in the direction
of achieving a more satisfying way of life so that they can live as viable members of society. The
umbrella of therapeutic and practical support provided by the Arbours, fosters a climate that
provides the necessary freedom for residents to find their own identity and take responsibility for
their lives. Our long-term aim is for each resident to overcome his or her emotional and
psychological dependency and to help them to strive towards more independent ways of living.
User Participation
User participation is a vital component of our therapeutic approach. We expect each person to take
on responsibilities and to have a major say in the running of the house, eg cooking, cleaning,
shopping, financial management and maintenance, as well as in the selection of new members and
on-going discussions on house policies.
Staff SupportThe Arbours has
always been concerned about the alienating aspects of "staff-patient"
relationships often found in institutional settings. In order to counter-balance such alienation we
have developed a careful programme of staff support that has proved to be both therapeutic and
effective. During the past thirty plus years, our experience has been that this supportive
therapeutic programme had made it easier for residents to resolve their difficulties.
Two Co-ordinators, both experienced psychotherapists, have overall practical and therapeutic
responsibility for each house. They are on call for advice and support as well as leading House
Meetings in each house every week. Residents see their own individual psychotherapists twice a week
and attend Art and Movement therapy groups once weekly.
In addition to the above, we have established a policy of having helpers in each house, eg,
residential community facilitators share living in the community. In addition, our trainee
psychotherapists and volunteers do visiting placements.
Referral Criteria and Assessment Procedures
Referrals to the Communities may come from individuals, psychiatrists, GPs, social workers,
psychologists, psychotherapists and other statutory and voluntary agencies.
Each potential resident has an interview with an experienced psychotherapist who assesses the
applicant's psychological and emotional needs and their suitability as a Community resident.
This also provides an opportunity for the potential resident to have any questions they may have
answered and for them to obtain information about the communities. The next stages in the
assessment procedure are interviews with each of the House Co-ordinators and an informal meeting with
the present residents. If all goes well, the potential resident is invited to spend a weekend in the
community. The whole procedure usually takes from four to six weeks.
Community Support and Therapy Programme
Throughout their stay in the Communities, residents are required to attend:
- The twice-weekly Group Meetings, which are led by the House Co-ordinators, are where the
residents can explore and clarify both personal and inter-personal issues. The group may also offer
an experience of belonging that is often lacking in individuals who have been isolated by their
problems.
- Two individual psychotherapy sessions per week with a trained and experienced psychotherapist
where the resident can explore the meaning of their problems and difficulties in a trusting
one-to-one relationship.
- Art and Movement Therapy groups (one of each per week) where residents can explore their
experiences and feelings in a medium other than words: through painting, drawing, sculpture and
movement.
In addition the residents are living in a therapeutic milieu in which they can learn, with the
support of the Co-ordinators, the community facilitators and their peer group, to take responsibility
for themselves and others and in learning relational, social and domestic skills. Any difficulties
experienced in meeting these responsibilities can be discussed in the regular House Meetings.
Our experience shows that it takes time for a person's psychological repertoire to unfold.
Therapeutic programmes cannot, therefore, be static. Residents' progress is assessed on an
ongoing basis and changes may be made at any appropriate time to meet their needs. In addition,
formal internal reviews of residents' needs and progress take place approximately every six
months.
The Communities provide outings and day activities and residents are encouraged to explore and create
links with the outside community, working towards eventually making use of courses and other
activities.
Families and Partners
The families, partners and other individuals in the resident's social network may be in need of
emotional psychological support. Where appropriate, we are able to see residents with their
partners or family. It may, however, be more therapeutic for families and partners to receive
individual psychotherapy, which we can provide directly or help with an appropriate referral.
Moving On and After Care
When move-on is indicated, appropriate support is provided and residents are able to discuss the
anxieties and practical difficulties of moving on with the House Co-ordinators and in the House
Meetings. Residents are encouraged to take courses, train or find employment before leaving the
Community.
Practical Support
The Arbours Office provides assistance with DWP and Local Authority payments, advice about rights,
training courses and any other issues requiring administrative support throughout the resident's
stay.
The Office Staff visit the Communities regularly to impart useful information and to offer practical
help, particularly with benefit related problems and also to
help maximise their income. The Office Staff are also available to try to provide help
with move-on accommodation and any other practical issues.
Fees
Please contact the main office to request for a current
breakdown of cost for any of the three communities.
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