Working at Portland Road

Harm minimisation was utilised as an approach to managing risk. Staff worked in partnership with people to safeguard themselves... enabling people to take positive risks.

Staff felt the home had a strong positive culture... open and inclusive atmosphere whereby there was a clear focus on teamwork.

Staff commented that staffing levels were sufficient and enabled them to spend one to one time with people, take people out and support people in a crisis. Low staff turnover.

Staff underwent a wide range of very specialist training... For example managing dangerous situation, mind mapping, Solution Focus Brief Therapy, outcome star and Life Coaching/Coaching Skills Mediation.

Staff member told us, 'The management team are very good; they seek our opinion, work with us and are very approachable.'

Provider was involved in a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) pilot... resulted in people much more engaged... higher use of communal facilities... hospital admissions avoided.