Doncaster Crisis Accommodation and Helpline

Doncaster Crisis Accommodation and Helpline is a small service providing short term support to people experiencing mental health crisis. There are five beds although currently the service is funded to offer four places. People stay for a maximum of seven nights. At the time of the inspection two people were using the service, and in the last year over 150 people have received care and support at the service.

People's experience of using this service:

People received support which was tailored to their needs, delivered by staff who treated them with respect and understood their goals and aspirations. Staff treated people with warmth and empathy, and exhibited a passion for their roles.

The management team within the service had fostered a culture of openness and continuous improvement. There was effective communication between staff and managers, underpinned by regular team meetings and staff supervision and appraisal. Staff received training and support to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to carry out their role effectively.

People had access to healthcare professionals as required. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People received support in an environment that was safe. Risk assessments were thorough, and the premises were regularly audited to ensure they were safe and fit for purpose. Staff had received appropriate training in relation to health and safety.

People were protected against the risk of abuse. Staff had received training in relation to safeguarding, and records showed the provider had taken all the required steps when people were suspected to be at risk of abuse.

People's feedback was regularly sought, so that they could contribute to ongoing improvements within the service. We saw evidence of this during the inspection.