Mental health. Picking up the pieces

Research in Leeds had identified a group of mental health users whose lifestyles were often destructive and who appeared to be on an endless cycle of care between various statutory agencies. Oakwood Hall, a joint-funded, voluntary sector hostel has developed a holistic approach for 'difficult to place' individuals, enabling them to move back into mainstream support services. The objective of the service is to combine compassion with a nonjudgemental stance, encouraging social integration of clients, combined with boundaries for individual behaviour. The service offers respite care and a 24-hour telephone support system. The approach has led to a significant and positive change for many.