By combining a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, Elm Court and Mulberry Court in Cygnet Churchill deliver high-quality care within a community atmosphere, while focusing on discharge planning from the moment service users arrive. In addition, we offer a four bed step down service called Elm Court.

Our recovery programme is delivered in a culture that balances risk management with therapeutic optimism, where men have the opportunity to learn and practice the skills they will need in a completely safe environment.

Cygnet Churchill is a service built on recovery principles around hope, empowerment, wellness, personal responsibility, community focus and connectedness. Throughout the many years that Cygnet Churchill has been open we have achieved excellent outcomes for service users, and we are committed to constantly improving their experience and clinical outcomes further.

We offer more than just specialists and treatments: We value service users as individuals, help enhance their interests, abilities and self-knowledge, encourage them to find their voice, support them to rebuild their lives. We deliver high-quality care with specialist interventions, but never lose sight of the goal of personal recovery.

Vocational support is provided to help service users prepare for employment and other vocational activities. The men are supported to create CVs, apply for jobs, practice for and attend interviews as well as develop other skills necessary in a work environment. We also offer a range of internal therapeutic earning positions within Cygnet Churchill where service users have the opportunity to apply for, be interviewed for and take on the responsibility of a suitable job. The men receive training from a staff member who is skilled in the particular job.

“My son is doing well and is not as angry as he used to be. Staff are looking after him well and things are fantastic! I am pleased as I will have my son back!”Family member

Our service user profile:

• Men aged 18+
• Detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) or informal
• Primary diagnosis of mental illness with:
  • Complex comorbidities
  • Substance, drug and alcohol abuse
  • Treatment resistance
  • Behaviours that may challenge
• Aiming for a return to community or community-based care
• May have a history of trauma
• Typical diagnoses: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder or depression
• May have secondary diagnoses of mild learning disability, autism spectrum disorder or personality disorder
• May have a forensic history and/or be stepping down from secure services
• May have a history of repeated acute admissions

Our facilities:

• En-suite bedrooms
• Barber
• Music room
• Gym
• IT café
• Therapy kitchens
• Spacious communal garden with outdoor seating

Our community links:

• Learndirect / Morley College / Lambeth College and The Blackfriars Project
• Local library
• Swimming pool at local leisure centre near Elephant & Castle
• Basketball courts in Lambeth
• Southbank – London Eye, London Aquarium, Tate Modern Gallery and National Theatre
• London’s Royal Parks
• Thrive Horticulture Project
• Mosaic Clubhouse – a mental health charity that offers a unique transitional employment programme to enable individuals living with mental health needs to experience entry level employment opportunities