Launch of new HOPE(S) Qualifications to reduce the use of long-term segregation

This autumn, we were pleased to welcome our first cohort of learners onto two new HOPE(S) qualifications, delivered in partnership with NHS Mersey Care. We are proud to be working with Mersey Care delivering the first qualifications of this kind:

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Certificate in the HOPE(S) Specialist Practice to Reduce Long Term Segregation (SRF)
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Diploma for Practice Leadership in the HOPE(S) Model of Care to reduce Long Term Segregation (SRF)

The learners participating in the qualifications will develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding to help develop a culture within the services in which they work that reduces the use of long-term segregation.

Sarah Leitch, Director of Development at the RRN said:

“The barbaric practice of long-term segregation is essentially the solitary confinement of distressed people in a bare room. This is not a therapeutic treatment, yet it seems difficult to change this practice and envisage more humane and dignified responses to distress.

 The HOPE(S) model of care seeks to change this, and the new qualification will provide practitioners with the skills, knowledge and support to change mindsets and support individuals to move into caring and supportive environments.”

Danny Angus, Associate Director for National HOPE(S) NHSE Collaborative at Mersey Care NHS Trust said:

“We are really pleased to continue our collaboration with the RRN on the development of the qualification. This will enable the legacy of the NHS England funded HOPE(S) programme to continue into the future and give organisations and practitioners the skills and competencies they need to deliver culture change and practice leadership to reduce long term segregation. The qualification is personally challenging and has been co-developed with people with lived experience.

 The relentlessly positive approach of the model can support people to develop alternative strategies to long term segregation and support people in more positive ways. This will enable practitioners to prevent restrictive practices and ultimately improve the lives of people in services and their families.” 

About HOPE(S)

The HOPE(S) model is an ambitious human rights-based approach to working with individuals in segregation. The clinical model developed by Mersey Care reduces the use of long term segregation sometimes experienced by autistic adults, adults with a learning disability and children and young people.

The HOPE(S) clinical model has a relentlessly positive approach to supporting people in long term segregation. The model:

• Encourages teams to Harness the system through key attachments and partnerships
• Create Opportunities for positive behaviours, meaningful and physical activities;
• Identify Protective and preventative risk and clinical management strategies;
• Build interventions to Enhance the coping skills of both staff and people in services
• Whilst engaging in these tasks clinical teams and the System needs to be managed and developed to provide support throughout all stages of the approach.