Ballington House supports individuals in developing their independence and skills, preparing them for a gradual and appropriate reintegration into their preferred living situation, whether that’s the community, supported housing, or returning to family.

The service uses a phase-based approach to help individuals identify how to proactively meet their emotional and physical needs, increasing resilience. This encourages independence, enabling more access to items and activities as they progress, and reduces risk. This allows service users to explore their difficulties holistically by benefiting from multiple therapeutic approaches. The goal is to provide a wider range of understanding and engagement opportunities that support patients in remaining in the community after discharge.

Through psychological and occupational therapies, individuals will build and develop skills that promote alternative viewpoints and healthier coping strategies. The aim is for patients to increase their independence, self-reliance and motivation in areas like social networks, relationships, attachment issues, past trauma, responsibilities, work and relapse prevention. The staff at Ballington House support patients in working towards a successful and sustainable discharge back into the community.

The support we offer

Ballington House offers a variety of treatments tailored to the individual’s needs. The clinical team provides evidence-based psychological interventions, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed approach, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Risk assessment is an ongoing process at Ballington House. We believe that embracing positive risk-taking is a crucial component of our rehabilitation services. All patients actively participate in the assessment of their own risk levels, particularly in relation to observation requirements.

To monitor patient progress at Ballington House, we utilise a variety of outcome measures, including the Recovery Star, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), psychometric evaluation of presenting difficulties and regular incident analysis.

The outcomes we expect to see include:

• Reduction of risks such as self-harm and better management of addictive behaviours
• Decreased reliance on enhanced nursing observations
• Increased freedoms and access to more items and activities, as they progress, and risk reduces
• Engagement with psychology and occupational therapy programs
• Improved self-esteem, self-worth and self-compassion
• Development of meaningful social networks and relationship-building skills
• Preparation for successful community living and enhanced daily living skills

Surroundings

Ballington House, situated in the picturesque market town of Leek, Staffordshire, is set within a large, established garden. This allows patients the opportunity to connect with nature and engage in various outdoor therapeutic activities.

Who we support

Ballington House supports women:

• Age 18 years and over
• Who have an identified mental health rehabilitation need
• This includes people who may also have a learning disability, who have a diagnosis of autism or PD
• Who have behaviours that challenge or are perceived to challenge services
• Who may have a history of trauma, abuse or attachment issues
• People identifying as women, whether they are transitioning or not, and those identifying as non-binary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming or genderqueer
• Detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007)
• Aiming for a return to community or community-based care

For further information or to discuss a potential referral please dial our 24 hr referral line on 0800 218 2398. Alternatively you can email referrals@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk or elys.referrals@nhs.net