James’ Journey

James* came to Care in Mind on our Rapid Intake and Assessment pathway. Following the initial 12 week stabilisation and assessment programme, he was offered a continued placement with Care in Mind to focus on achieving his recovery goals. After a total of 8 months in placement, James was able to step down into a semi-supported placement in the community, where he has his own flat and will be able to continue his journey towards independent living.

About James

James* had experienced several Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) early in life. His parents were substance users who neglected the home environment, and he witnessed domestic violence between his parents during his childhood. James became a Looked After Child in 2023 after being known to Social Services for quite some time.

In Autumn of 2024, James’ mental health deteriorated and he engaged in some risky self-harming behaviours which resulted in him being admitted to a Medical Assessment Unit at a general hospital. Due to the decline in his mental health, James’ previous placement was no longer appropriate leaving him with no fixed address.

Rapid Intake Admission

James was referred to Care in Mind, and due to the loss of his previous placement and the lack of stable base to support a planned transition, he was offered a placement on our Rapid Intake and Assessment pathway. This pathway offers swift assessment and admission to one of our CQC registered care homes for a 12 week assessment and stabilisation programme. Our MDT undertake a comprehensive assessment of presenting behaviours and needs and formulate a person-centred plan to support recovery.

James moved into one of homes within a few days of his referral. He was experiencing heightened anxiety and resorted to self-harming behaviours to manage his stress and emotion. Initially, James struggled to engage with the clinical package and the residential team. He spent a lot of time away from the service in the community, with repeated incidents of missing from home. When present in service, expressed significant anxiety and had a lot of incidents. However, over time, James began to build therapeutic relationships with the residential support staff and built meaningful and trusting relationships.

James’ Care

James began engaging in his weekly clinical sessions; one session with his Clinical Nurse Specialist and one with his allocated Psychologist. James used his nursing sessions as a space for emotional expression and grounding, often using his time to discuss and explore the effectiveness of his coping techniques. Additionally, James used his psychology sessions to discuss his background and how his early experiences impacted his “here and now”.

James began working on his independence and living skills with our residential support team. They supported James with developing skills such as budgeting and engaging in the community. James was encouraged to fill out a weekly activity planner in which he could plan a one-to-one activity with staff in the community and a group activity with the other service users, as well as a weekly facilitated food shop.

Following the initial 12 week assessment period, James was offered a continued placement with Care in Mind to focus on recovery goals. James was supported to work towards goals set in accordance with the ‘Mental Health Recovery Star’. James’ recovery goals included work around budgeting his money and weekly allowances, maintaining a clean and tidy living space and exploring volunteering and educational opportunities.

Next Steps for James

Following his 18th birthday, James was ready to move onto a new semi-supported placement in the community. Once a new placement was identified for James, a personalised transition plan was made to ensure a smooth and consistent transition and transfer of care. The residential team supported James to gradually move his possessions to his new service and integrate him into his new placement and community; supporting him to register with a local GP and attending a local college’s open day.

After eight months at Care In Mind, James moved onto his new placement. James hopes to re-enrol in an educational setting, or to gain employment. He is excited to have his own flat and a space which is his own. In the future, James hopes to live independently and wishes to continue to use the skills he has learnt to manage his mental health and anxiety.

James’ Outcomes

*Name changed to protect identity