Psychologically Informed Environments Creating a Psychologically Informed Environment

Psychologically Informed Environments Creating a Psychologically Informed Environment in Sheltered / Extra Care Housing Helena Evans Places for People 20/11/2014

Psychologically Informed Environments PIEs aim to create: an empowering and calming environment where people can feel emotionally as well as physically safe, and can gain an understanding of their behaviour and an ability to take responsibility for themselves Peter Cockersell Director of Health and Recovery St Mungo’s

Psychologically Informed Environments Key areas to consider: • Psychological Framework -holistic • Environment- staff / customers • Staff Training /Support • Managing Relationships • Evaluation of Outcomes

Psychologically Informed Environments WHY? Ø Staff development, well being & increased set of skills e. g. use of elastic tolerance/ wheel of change Ø Customers with a higher threshold of needs/ complex needs presenting at services/ schemes Ø Increase in issues related to substance misuse / mental health Ø Fits with the culture /ethos (SPIRIT values) of Places for People

Psychologically Informed Environments Complex Trauma & Associated Behaviours • Major life events e. g. bereavement, homelessness, relationship breakdown • Long term health conditions • Uncontrolled substance misuse e. g. alcohol use • Withdrawn, reluctant to engage / isolated • Anti-social behaviour • Lacking daily structure or routine • Unstable / inability to sustain relationships

Psychologically Informed Environments HOW? 4 stages Research CLG Good practice guide and Robin Johnson, RJA Consultancy Training 6 bespoke sessions for managers/team leaders & cascade training Embed Business plan/ongoing training/support & role of champions Monitor and review Current position & longer term evaluation & validation

Psychologically Informed Environments WHAT? 4 main aspects to the approach – Ø Psychology theory & mental health awareness / recovery approach Ø Skills – mental health & person centred support planning tools & outcome based support planning Ø Environment - Leeds Holistic Assessment/ Enabling Environments / dementia building checklist Ø Reflective Practice –consistent approach

Psychologically Informed Environments WHAT DIFFERENCE? Ø Improved customer engagement Ø Improved customer outcomes – health & wellbeing & reduction in incidents/ ASB Ø Services able to support customers with higher complex needs for longer Ø Improved staff engagement & morale Ø Improved physical / cultural environment Ø tenancy sustainment Ø Reduced hospital admissions

Psychologically Informed Environments Case Study •

Thank you ANY QUESTIONS ? Contact details: helena. evans@placesforpeople. co. uk

Useful links Johnson R & Haigh R, (2011) “Social Psychiatry and Social Policy for the 21 st Century - new concepts for new needs: enabling environments” in Mental Health & Social Inclusion, Vol 15 Iss 1. Available at: http: //www. rjaconsultancy. org. uk/publications. html. Keats H, Cockersell P, Johnson R & Maguire N (2012) Psychologically informed services for homeless people (Good Practice Guide) Now available at: http: //www. rjaconsultancy. org. uk/PIEconcept. html Peter Cockersell, (2011), "More for less? Using PIEs and recovery to improve efficiency in supported housing", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 14 Iss: 2 pp. 45 – 50 l