New Intensive Support Service

A new Intensive Support Service Centre in Firshill, Sheffield, opened its doors this June. It will provide assessment and treatment in the least restrictive environment for adults with learning disabilities, who have challenging reputations around their behaviour, and mental health problems.

The service model focuses heavily on early intervention and working proactively with individuals, their families and other service providers to support people in their community setting to reduce unnecessary admission to the bed based part of the service.

The service brings together three clinical teams, the Assessment and Treatment Unit inpatient staff, the Community Assessment Intensive Support Service and the Improving Mental Wellbeing Team who have amalgamated to form the new Intensive Support Service.  The teams were working in separate locations and from a bed based building which was an unsuitable environment for working with people with complex needs.

The Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust Intensive Support Service includes a purpose built, state-of-the-art eight bed inpatient unit, including two self-contained step down flats, as well as a number of clinical and activity rooms that can be used by community and bed-based service users.

The service undertakes extensive interventions based on the principles of Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and Psycho Social Intervention (PSI), and undertakes complex multi-disciplinary risk assessments and risk management plans for the individuals who present significant risk to themselves and others, based on the principles of a least restrictive approach.

Darren Lee, service user representative for the Complex Needs Group and self-advocate said: “The old centre was in poor condition and when I used to go there it was even giving me challenging behaviour, even as a visitor, it was that bad! The thought that has gone in to the new centre is amazing, so much so that I want to invite the British Institute of Learning Disabilities to come along and see the new service. The new centre is so relaxing and therapeutic and will make a big difference to people’s care.”

Dr Karen O’Connor, GP in the Mental Health Team Portfolio said: "I was very impressed by the amount of thought that has gone into this project. The building itself is part of the therapeutic process and it was fascinating to be told how the design aids this, whilst being a really nice space for clients and staff. "

Environmentally friendly and healing environment

The building is one of the most environmentally friendly and low energy health service buildings in Sheffield boasting a ‘green’ roof and wall, and includes solar panels, sun pipes, ground source heat pumps, and good sound and heat insulation.   

Even when most of the LED lights are on in the building, they only use the same amount of energy as a kettle!  The building has included design work which includes considerations around colour and light and circulation space to make it a positive environment for recovery and rehabilitation. All of the art work was chosen or created by service users.