Benfield Hall
Benfield Hall is a key stepping stone in the pathway towards adult mental health recovery and independence - a specialist 24-hour nurse staffed adult mental health unit operating within a person centred rehabilitation and recovery model. The unit is staffed at all times by qualified mental health nurses along with support staff. Benfield Hall is located in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham.
The Service
Benfield Hall is a specialist 24-hour nurse staffed adult mental health unit providing intensive slow stream rehabilitation within a client-centred rehabilitation and recovery model. The unit provides placements that aim to support individuals to maximise their independence and move on to less supported accommodation. The service is aimed at individuals with mental health problems including anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Qualified, highly trained and experienced staff provide specialised nursing care and support to facilitate individual progress towards recovery. Our starting premise in all cases is that clients have strengths, skills and abilities and that they can use these strengths as a platform to build upon as they take steps towards recovery. We operate a named worker system providing one-to-one and group support helping clients to develop the life skills required to live more independently.
Respite facilities
Benfield Hall has a track record of providing both planned and crisis respite care. Services users are often referred for a short stay as an alternative to hospital admission during a mental health crisis. Planned respite acts as a ‘safety net’ enabling people to live independently or with family while knowing they have the support of a break at a 24 hour staffed unit with people they know and feel comfortable with.
Vocational activities - Support is provided to enable service users to access training and education where they wish to do so.
Social Activities – service users are supported to engage in social activities within and outside of the unit on a one-to-one basis and in groups. All service users have the opportunity to go on holiday should they wish to do so.
Physical Health - As well as supporting service users to manage their mental health needs we offer ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ activities.
The unit has a resource area where leaflets and brochures providing information on mental and physical health can be accessed.
The unit is well equipped and spacious with 20 single use rooms, pleasant communal areas, training kitchen & laundry and is set in attractive, established gardens.
The staff team works closely with other health and social care professionals to ensure effective joint working and communication for the benefit of the client.
Clients who have the support of carers/family can involve them in care planning and decision making if they wish to do so.
The primary model utilised at Benfield Hall is the STAR Recovery Model which is a tool that supports and measures change when working with adults who experience mental health problems.
Staff training exceeds Care Quality Commission requirements.
In addition to all mandatory training care staff have been trained to NVQ level 3 in Health and Care. We support those who wish to achieve NVQ level 4.
Qualified staff access additional personal and professional development opportunities through Teesside University School of Health including degree level courses in Psychosocial Interventions, Substance Use, Working with Behaviours that Challenge and others.
Service brochure
A detailed service brochure is available on request. Please contact the relevant Service Manager.
