Griffin Ward – Low Secure Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Griffin Ward is a 15 bed low secure service that positively supports young people who may need a longer stay in an inpatient setting within a low secure environment. It offers a care and treatment pathway for individuals who may have complex mental health issues and whose needs and risk are such they need to be supported in this environment.

“Our son’s ‘look on life’ has improved immensely since then and believe this is down to the professional and helpful staff they have on hand, which is 24-7. The staff are also fantastic at putting the patients loved ones at ease, giving advice and comfort where possible.”Parent

The ward focuses on working with individuals to understand their mental health and their risks and support their recovery. This enables them to be successfully discharged to a less restrictive environment and to reduce the possibility of relapse.

Having a PICU, a general adolescent acute service and a low secure service on one site provides a clear therapeutic pathway through the services.

There is a diverse educational programme in place, so that young people can continue their education at the same time as receiving treatment. Education is provided by our on-site Phoenix School, which has a ‘Good’ rating with Ofsted.

Our service user profile:

• Age 12-18
• Detained under the Mental Health Act
• Diagnosis of:
  • Psychosis
  • Self-harm and/or suicidal ideation
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Emerging personality disorder
  • Substance misuse – providing there is a primary diagnosis of a mental health problem
  • Emotional, social and behavioural difficulties
  • Borderline/mild learning disability as a secondary diagnosis
  • Autism spectrum disorders, with a mental health primary diagnosis
• May have a forensic history

Our facilities:

• En-suite bedrooms
• 3 separate lounges
• Outdoor sports areas
• Multi Faith Room
• Gym
• Sensory room
• On-site Ofsted registered school (Phoenix School)