Oak Lodge: London
Oak Lodge is a drug and alcohol-free therapeutic community.
About us:
Clients can expect to receive weekly keywork sessions and a comprehensive care plan, and to be allocated a keyworker. The emphasis is on group therapy of which there are three sessions a week. There are bi-weekly gender groups and a BME support group.
Auricular acupuncture is available and there is a workshop programme of life and social skills training. Basic skills training includes IT literacy and numeracy. Planned leisure activities and sports sessions are provided weekly. There are weekly business meetings and a daily community meeting with all staff and residents, which support the community living structure.
Some financial support is provided for family activities with children, where children are looked after by carer/social services. Visits and overnight stay will be accommodated. Support and advocacy on childcare issues are available to clients. Parenting workshops are planned.
At referral and assessment, information is collated regarding diagnosis and needs. Reports are requested from prescriber/mental health service. If assessed as an appropriate placement, there will be a GP referral and continuing support from mental health services as requested/required.
Assessment and admissions: There is a central referral system and dedicated team. Assessments are carried out at the service and include a detailed needs and risk assessment. Oak Lodge aims to offer full assessment within seven days of referral. Reports may be requested on areas of risk. Admission is subject to confirmation of finding. Full induction process on day of admission carried out by project staff.
Additional admissions services: Oak Lodge works to protocols with the CARAT team to carry out an assessment. Telephone assessments are carried out where face-to-face contact is not possible. Staff and clients will meet potential clients at assessment. Visits to the service can be arranged.
Discharge policies: A notice to leave will be issued following consultation with the service manager or area manager. Notice and discharge may be immediate, 14 days or 28 days, depending on the reason for discharge and taking into account the welfare of the client, other project members and the staff team. Notice will be given in relation to breach of house rules/licence agreement.
Harm reduction policies for clients leaving the programme early: Contact with the care manager is made prior to discharge and phone access is available to make move-on arrangements. Oak Lodge provides support for move-on options. Information on harm reduction and other agencies are provided prior to discharge.
Resettlement / after-care services: There is a monthly aftercare group as well as a bi-weekly aftercare group. A resettlement care plan is drafted during the client’s stay and referral is made to supported housing services. Oak Lodge has priority access to Cranstoun supported housing services, with other housing options. Issues of aftercare are addressed throughout client’s stay and reviewed at three months.
Contact Details:
Oak Lodge
136 West Hill
Putney
London
SW15 2UF
Telephone: 0203 274 4035