Meridian Unit:
Male Low Secure Rehabilitation
The Meridian Unit at Cygnet Wing Blackheath specialises in rehabilitative care and aims to balance the needs of therapy and security while preparing service users to lead full and independent lives in the community.
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Our comprehensive care plans are tailored to each individual's needs and are regularly monitored and updated through the Care Programme Approach (CPA). All service users are on the enhanced level of CPA and undergo full assessment, including risk assessment using the HCR20.
Care Pathway
The Meridian Unit is part of our integrated male care pathway of services that includes Tyler Ward, our male PICU and our 'step down' locked rehabilitation service at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham. Where appropriate we also work closely with Cygnet Supported Living to secure access to supported accommodation for service users.
Therapy Services
The Meridian Unit provides an extensive therapy programme incorporating Psychology, Occupational Therapy and social activities. Our programme aims to teach service users basic life skills, improve activities of daily living, social skills and reintegration to society. The therapy team comprises a Psychologist, Therapy Assistant, Activities Coordinator and Occupational Therapist as well as receiving input and support from an excellent Nursing team.
When individuals have achieved enough Section 17 leave they are able to engage in activities based in the community which also include sports and recreation at the local leisure facilities. We work closely with the local college and some businesses in the area providing service users with the opportunity of enrolling on a college course and obtaining work placements. We also aim to allow individuals the chance to attend AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) sessions in the community where they have the opportunity to participate in the traditional ‘12 Steps’ model of addiction.
As well as group sessions we also provide 1:1 support and assessments. Occupational therapy assessments include activities of daily living, self care/hygiene and cooking/kitchen safety. Psychology sessions consist of in depth 1:1 psychotherapeutic work, psychometric assessments (including cognitive and intellectual functioning and personality inventories) and risk assessments for violence, arson, offending, suicide & self harm.
Admission Criteria
The service has a wide remit in relation to referrals and offers a service that caters for a wide range of complex and additional needs, such as dual diagnosis, mild learning disability, personality disorders and substance abuse.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from prisons, high and medium secure units, community forensic services and general adult services. We undertake the assessment at the service user's location and aim to notify referrers of our decision within 24 hours of assessment.
For more information, or to make a referral to Meridian Unit, please contact the hospital on 020 8694 2111.
Why Refer to the Meridian Unit?
- Meridian offers a fully comprehensive on site therapy programme aimed at reducing risk, increasing a sense of self worth and gaining ownership for personal achievements in recovery
- Access to numerous external resources aimed at improving interpersonal skills, self-esteem and social inclusion
- An integrated service user council, working with service users to direct change and development in services
Contact the hospital
Fax: 020 8694 8256
Email Cygnet Wing Blackheath
Enquire Online
Download Referral Form