Valentia Suite

This specialist unit works closely with specialist external agencies to serve the needs of homeless women with diagnosed mental health issues or with a similar enduring illness such as personality disorder.

Thirteen of our rooms offer longer term accommodation to homeless individuals and one room is used in emergency cases and as a respite facility when needed.

The Unit is based in a discreet area on the first floor and helps to develop a sense of community and security. The Mental Health Unit staff office and the Unit Manager's office are also located on the first floor so access to staff and manager is made easier. Residents are supported by a specialist team that provides 24-7 staff cover.

Referrals come from Community mental health worker's,(or crisis resolution teams, these include social workers, care co-ordinators psychiatrists, hospitals and occasionally the Police. Provision is made for families in need of respite for a family member with a link with the mental health teams in the area.

The emergency facility can be used for up to two weeks or as a stop gap between hospital and resettlement, or any other move on accommodation.

Within a week of moving into the hostel the resident is allocated a key worker who will meet regularly with her, liaise with the external support team and network other agencies relevant to her support needs.

We aim to empower, support, encourage independence and help restore social and other skills to individuals who have lost out due to mental health issues and homelessness.

We devise a support plan suitable to the needs of the individual that covers specific  targets, aims, and focuses on achievements and setting realistic goals.

Our ultimate aim is to resettle the individual back into independent or semi-independent living at the earliest possible opportunity.

Valentia Suite, 1 - 5 Cosway Street, London NW1 5NR
Tel: 020 7262 3818, Fax: 020 7402 8752
E-mail: mhu@maryleboneproject.org.uk