Meriden House has been providing supported accommodation to people aged 18-65 with enduring mental health problems / learning difficulties for over ten years. These tenants are usually fragile people who could not sustain their own tenancy.

Using the Group Home model we provide both long term & short term secure homely environments for people who need support to develop or sustain their independence.

Referrals are accepted from mental health teams within Health and Social Services using the Care Programme Approach (CPA) and also direct enquiries from service users. All referrals require a placement assessment or Care Plan indicating the level of support required.

Meriden House is currently spread across several sites, mostly in Erdington. There are support workers providing varying levels of support over 24 hrs,7 days a week.

At Meriden House we provide high quality, cost effective housing related support to vulnerable people while maintaining their independence, dignity and supporting their choice to live as part of the community.

Some of the ways we do this are by;

• recognising & supporting the personal resourcefulness of people with mental illness.
• offering an environment of hope for the client.
• supporting people to "take control"& make real choices based on objective information.``
• creating a relationship that encourages the growth of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-acceptance.
• validating current coping strategies and experience.
• supporting the client to take positive risks, which may fail, then supporting them to try again.
• actively supporting clients to use community resources.
• combating discrimination and social exclusion.

We recognise any disability they may be experiencing and we work with them to try to minimise the impacts of the disability on their capacity to achieve their goals.

What are the referral criteria?

Applicants will, in general, be expected to meet the following criteria:

1. Able to control any alcohol dependency / actively working towards eliminating illegal drug dependency
2. Over 18 years of age and up to 64
3. Able to share with others in a mixed group setting.
4. Able to share with people from a variety of backgrounds, ages and cultures.
5. Able to manage on a day-to-day basis with background practical support, the level of which may vary according to needs
6. Able to budget for themselves, with support
7. Able to negotiate stairs and manage simple household tasks
8. Able to self medicate and agree to comply with medication regime.

Decisions on applications for housing or support services will also take into account the balance of needs in the project, where appropriate and risks factors, such as incidents of violence or arson.

How do I refer an individual to the service?

Please telephone 0121 384 9626 and ask for a referral pack.  Complete this and return it to us with a care plan and risk assessment. Referrers will be made aware whilst progressing through this process that there will be an expectation for the individual's current Care Coordinator, to attend housing reviews held every 4 - 6 weeks to assist them to follow the process with their client.