Inpatient and acute services

The involvement of family and friends when someone with mental health difficulties is admitted to hospital is crucial in ensuring collaborative practice and positive outcomes for service users.

With the development of the Triangle of Care (PDF) and an evidence-base which encourages identification and engagement when someone is acutely unwell, family interventions can no longer be viewed as community-based interventions. There are, however, many issues and challenges specific to the implementation of family work in inpatient and acute care settings.

As a result, the Meriden Programme has developed a range of tools and training packages ranging from developing an awareness of family sensitive practice, through to specifically modified interventions which can be more readily implemented within a time-restricted ward environment.

In addition, bespoke training has been developed and delivered for specialist services including Home Treatment teams, forensic in-patients, Eating Disorders and Mother and Baby provision.