Carl* arrived at Yew Tree Lodge from a forensic secure unit on a Community Treatment Order (CTO), as part of a step down for his recovery.
Carl had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and was not managing his medication well. He had issues with controlling his behaviours, including becoming paranoid and physically aggressive to other patients, whilst on the ward at his previous placement. There had also been issues with drugs and alcohol in the past.
How Yew Tree Lodge has supported Carl
As part of his care at Yew Tree Lodge, we introduced firm boundaries ensuring Carl was clear about his responsibilities and couldn’t bring alcohol or drugs onto the site. We also had weekly key worker sessions on areas that Carl wanted to focus on.
The staff team worked closely with Carl and supported him to attend college and a work placement with a local refuse company. We also worked with Carl to take his medication, and alongside support from his forensic social worker, we helped Carl to obtain the benefits he was entitled to.
There were initially some challenges with Carl’s behaviours, but with firm boundaries and support from his forensic social worker, we were able to support him to come to staff if he was becoming agitated or frustrated.
Achieving positive outcomes
We started a programme of self-medication for Carl and he successfully began to manage his own medication. He was also taken on part-time at the local refuse company and then offered full-time employment.
Following the support provided at Yew Tree Lodge, Carl has moved into his own independent flat in the community, which would have been unimaginable when he first arrived at our service.
*Name and images have been changed to maintain confidentiality.