At Cygnet Lodge Lewisham we work on re-enabling individuals who may be either on a civil or a forensic section of the mental health act, to prepare them for independent living and community life. We support individuals who have a range of complex mental health difficulties with comorbidities like physical health problems, personality disorders, substance misuse and mild learning disabilities.

“Since my son has been in your care he has had good days and bad days but your staff stood by him no matter what. You should be very proud of your staff for the care and support given to my son as well as myself and my partner. It’s very hard to find staff that are this dedicated to their job! We cannot thank them enough for the care given. From the bottom of my heart thank you.”Parent

Meaningful service user involvement is key and monthly meetings are held for service users to share their views with us and for us to communicate important changes to them. Service users can join the meetings as a representative for their peers. This is an important role and they receive payment for their attendance together with an opportunity to get involved in related projects.

The service is in close proximity to essential amenities which help in rehabilitation like access to Lewisham high street, sport and leisure centres, libraries, good transport links to central London and other areas. There are excellent opportunities for further education and vocational training, both onsite and with links with the local community colleges.

Care Pathway / Referral Route

The rehabilitation pathway is identified and agreed on admission with service user involvement, wherever possible. This is to provide ample opportunity for the individuals in our care to develop life skills as a prelude to their goal of independent or supported living in the community.

Our service user profile:

• Men aged 18+
• Detained under the Mental Health Act (1983)
• Primary diagnosis of mental illness with:
  • Complex comorbidities
  • Substance, drug and alcohol abuse
  • Treatment resistant and treatment resistance
  • Behaviours that challenge
• Aiming for a return to community or community-based care
• History of sexual abuse or domestic violence
• Typical diagnoses: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder or depression
• May have secondary diagnoses of mild learning disability, 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
• Therapy kitchen
• Variety of activity rooms
• Dining room
• Living room
• Enclosed garden

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