Specialist residential mental health care
Referrals
Highly resourced residential care for adults with complex mental health needs. We welcome referrals from across the UK to our six homes in Totnes and Plymouth, Devon.
Who we support
We welcome referrals from social workers, care coordinators, hospital teams and other health and social care professionals for adults with complex mental health needs. Our approach offers a stable home, consistent relationships and support to rebuild confidence and everyday skills.
Most people join us from hospital, often after a long stay or when previous care arrangements have not met their needs. We also consider referrals for people already living in the community who need a more supportive setting. We look at the person's strengths, wishes and support needs, not just their diagnosis.
We support people who have been detained under the Mental Health Act and are now ready to leave hospital, as well as those leaving after a voluntary admission. We are also experienced in supporting people on a conditional discharge under Ministry of Justice arrangements, including following a section 37/41 hospital order. We work with the person and their professional team to agree the support needed and meet any discharge conditions.
Our homes provide residential care and support, not hospital treatment or nursing care. People cannot move into our homes while they remain detained under the Mental Health Act. The service is not suitable when specialist support for alcohol or drug use is the main need.
Support behind each placement
- High staffing levels and familiar, full-time teams.
- Qualified activity leaders additional to residential staff.
- 24-hour on-call management support.
- Ongoing training, regular audits and shared expertise.
No charge for initial referral visits
You can explore suitability before seeking funding-panel approval for a placement. Your organisation's own processes still apply; placement fees and funding are agreed separately.
Getting to know each other
How referrals work
Leaving hospital or moving to a new home can feel daunting, even when it is a positive step. Our person-centred, detail-focused approach gives people time to build trust and take part in decisions, with each step shaped around their wishes, needs and readiness.
- 01
Initial conversation
An informal telephone discussion helps us explore the person's needs and answer questions before a detailed referral is submitted. We then review the referral information to consider the support we could offer.
- 02
Visit where they are
We usually meet the person in their current setting first, often an inpatient service, to begin building rapport.
- 03
Planned visits
Visits to the Community usually begin with day visits and may progress to overnight stays at their pace.
- 04
Shared decision
We make decisions with the person and the professionals involved, considering their wishes, support needs, safety, funding and healthcare arrangements. We are happy to contribute to tribunals and care-planning meetings, and provide reports for funding panels.
- 05
Transition planning
We plan the move and how support and healthcare will continue. Where Ministry of Justice restrictions apply, additional assessment, risk planning and coordination with the relevant authorities may be needed.
As people settle in, support develops around their goals, preferences and changing needs. If a move towards greater independence becomes the right next step, we plan it with the person and their professional team, at their pace.
Talk to us or send a referral
Call 01803 865473 and ask for Kate. A conversation is welcome before you complete the form.
Download referral form (PDF)Email the completed form and relevant reports to headofcare.comae@nhs.net.
Please follow GDPR and your organisation's information governance policy. Use NHSmail-to-NHSmail where possible, or Egress or another approved secure service. Do not send sensitive information to the general enquiries address.
Kate Conroy
Head of Placements and Referrals
Kate is a registered occupational therapist with a background in learning disabilities, autism and mental health. As Head of Placements and Referrals, Kate works with prospective residents, families and referring professionals to understand each person's needs, preferences and goals. Kate can answer questions about the homes and the support available, explain the information needed for a referral and help people prepare for visits and a planned move into the Community.