The Arbours run three households where men and women in emotional, psychological and social distress can live in a supportive therapeutic environment. The long term aim is for each resident to overcome his or her difficulties and be able to live independently.
User participation is a vital component of our therapeutic approach. None of the residents in an Arbours communities is cast in the role of mental patient. We expect each man and woman to take on responsibilities, and to have a major say in the running of the house, for example; cooking, cleaning, shopping, financial management and maintenance as well as in the selection of new members.
We aim to maintain a nurturing non-institutional, home like atmosphere where respect for the freedom and unique potential for each individual in honoured. We begin with the assumption, not of "sickness", "mental disorder", "disability" or "helplessness", but from the belief in the capacity of each resident to move in the direction of growth and development, given the necessary time, support and understanding. We see it is as our task to help our 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.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from professionals and /or individuals themselves. Each potential resident has an interview to access the applicant�s psychological and emotional needs, and his or her suitability as a community resident. The next stage is an interview with each of the House Co-ordinators and meetings with the present residents (which may include a weekend stay).
Each house can accommodate 7-8 men and women and we try to refer a potential resident to the most appropriate house to meet his or her particular needs. If no spaces are available at the time of interview the, potential resident�s name will, if he or she is accepted be added to the Community�s waiting list.
