Trust opens new residential rehab service for people leaving hospital
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), in partnership with Everyturn Mental Health, has opened Woodland House, a new 14-bed enhanced community rehabilitation service in Bromley.
Woodland House will help people with complex mental health needs move from inpatient care to more independent living.
Located near Bethlem Royal Hospital, Woodland House will support people with complex mental health needs who are ready to leave inpatient hospital care but still require ongoing clinical support before moving on to more independent living.
The new service provides a vital step-down option for people who might otherwise experience delays leaving hospital, helping them continue their recovery in a welcoming, nurse-led setting offering 24-hour support and care.
Residents will receive personalised support from a team of experts, with care focused on building independence, developing practical life skills and reconnecting with local communities through education, employment, volunteering and social opportunities.
Registered with the Care Quality Commission and operating in line with national NHS rehabilitation standards, Woodland House is designed to support residents for up to 18 months. During this time, they will be supported to develop the practical skills, confidence and resilience needed to move into more independent, community living.
A real focus of the service will be to help people reconnect with their communities and build meaningful lives beyond hospital care. Residents will be supported to access volunteering, training, employment, leisure and wellbeing opportunities, helping build social connections, establish positive routines and strengthen the skills needed for long-term recovery.
By combining specialist clinical rehabilitation with real-world opportunities for participation and inclusion, Woodland House aims to help people leave hospital sooner, reduce reliance on inpatient services and build fulfilling lives within their local communities.
Jonathan Northfield, Service Director for Croydon at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Woodland House represents an important addition to the mental health rehabilitation pathway across south London and will be a positive step towards independence for those service users who need this extra support.
" Recovery is about much more than leaving hospital. It's about helping people reconnect with their communities, develop relationships, access education and employment opportunities, and build the confidence to live independently. Woodland House will provide that bridge between inpatient care and community life, ensuring residents have the support they need to establish meaningful lives within their local communities."
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive of Everyturn Mental Health, said: "We're so proud to be bringing a second service to London, continuing to support people with mental health needs to live the lives they want.
"Every person is different, so our specialised team will work with each person to build trust, practical skills and independence.
"Everyturn has worked with the NHS for 40 years, so we understand the pressures it faces. This service will help people leave hospital when they're ready, which will free up inpatient beds for people who need them.
"We're excited for Woodland House to become part of the south London community, supporting people on the next steps of their journey of recovery."
The service will work closely with local organisations, housing providers and community groups to help residents access education, employment and social opportunities, supporting long-term recovery and successful reintegration into community life.