Heath House

Welcome to Heath House

Our purpose is to provide outstanding supported accommodation to some of the most vulnerable young people, aged 16+, whom may have an array of diagnosed or emerging mental health conditions and/or complex needs. We will provide our young people with independence skills and the coping strategies that they need to understand and manage their feelings and behaviours to ensure when they leave Heath House they are able to cope independently in the modern world.

We will give every young person courtesy and respect and work in conjunction with local authorities to deliver a range of support and other specialist services which offer best value whilst ensuring the best possible outcomes for each young person.

We benefit from a wealth of experience within our staff team, which will allow our young people the opportunity to thrive and develop by realising their potential, whilst being happy and feeling valued. Our approach will be Compassion-focused, with an emphasis on viewing behaviours of young people in the context of their trauma. We do not identify behaviours or individuals as problematic or wrong; we seek to find the meaning behind the protective strategies developed as a response to adverse situations, and to engage with the individual’s whole experience. Our aim is to create a safe environment in which young people can cultivate compassionate understanding towards themselves and others; using professional, psychologically-informed support to come to terms with their trauma, recover, progress and thrive.

Team Teach

Team At Heath House

Rachel Doherty

Rachel Doherty

Home Manager Heath House 

I am the manager of Heath House, and I have over 12 years’ experience of working in education, and supporting young people with their wellbeing, development, and day-to-day needs.

I am passionate about creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment where young people feel valued, listened to and encouraged to reach their potential. I bring a calm, caring and consistent approach to my work and believe that building trusting relationships can make a real difference.

I take pride in supporting young people through challenges, celebrating their progress, and helping them develop confidence in themselves

Gemma Watson

Gemma Watson

Deputy Manager Heath House 

Since completing my degree in Psychology, I have worked as a Support Worker for four years, with over half of this experience gained at Libre Living. Within my role as Deputy Manager, I dedicate my time to ensuring young people have a safe and secure environment to be able to develop their wellbeing and independence skills, supporting their transition to adulthood. I am passionate about ensuring that the home is a welcoming and safe environment for young people to reach their full potential.

Michelle Brennan (Wyatt)

Michelle Brennan (Wyatt)

Designated Safeguarding Officer for Children and Young Peoples Services

Hello and welcome.  I am the Responsible Individual for Heath House and Cedar House. I have over 10 years’ experience in running homes for children and young people with complex needs, it is my passion to ensure that all young people are provided with a safe and welcoming environment that they call home, where they are valued, accepted, and wanted. 

Together the team at Heath House strive to support our young people to reach their personal best, to understand and manage their emotional well-being, access support and services available to them and give them skills to aid them into independence.

What We Offer At Heath House

As part of our accomodation we offer a number of services to our residents.

Providing A High Standard Of Accommodation For Up To Five Young People Age 16+

Specialising In Supporting Young People With Emerging Or Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions And/Or Complex Needs

Staffed 24/7 Providing Support By A Skilled And Trained Team

Welcoming And Homely Environment

Furnished Double Bedrooms Where Young People Are Encouraged To Personalise And Make Their Own During Their Stay With Us

Providing Tailored Support For Each Individual Young Person

AQA Unit Award Scheme Accredited

Providing Stimulating Activities

Days Out – Thorpe Park, Beach Days, London

Enclosed Large Garden Perfect For BBQ’s And Nights Around The Fire Pit

Netflix Disney+ Amazon Prime Spotify

WiFi

Secure Garage And Shed To Safely Store Bikes Etc.

Access To In-House Psychologist And Weekly Session With Our Qualified Counsellor

Team Members Receive Monthly Clinical Supervision

Independence Programmes

Personalised Memory Books Made To Record Our Young People’s Time At Heath House

Support To Access Education/Employment & Support In Managing Personal Finances

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below some of our more frequently asked questions, if you have anything that isn't mentioned below, please feel free to contact us directly.

The accommodation is called Heath House and is in the Redhill area of Bournemouth, opposite the Common which is a Nature Reserve.  It is very close to a main bus route and there are local shops/takeaways.  It is very easy to access the main town and beaches on the bus.

The home provides a high standard of accommodation for up to five young people, male or female, aged 16+, with emerging or diagnosed mental health conditions and/or complex needs.

The purpose of the home is to provide support to young people in a holistic, safe, stimulating and supportive environment where young people can live, learn and develop.

There is an Admissions procedure and information would be obtained from professionals detailing the young person’s needs, any emerging or diagnosed mental health conditions and any other presenting behaviours. 

An assessment would be carried out by our in-house Psychologist and a decision taken as to whether the young person’s needs can be met and whether the young person is a good match for the home, taking into account the existing residents. 

The young person’s views and opinion will be taken into account at all times.

  • Bournemouth and Poole college (Lansdowne and Poole campuses)
  • The Bourne Academy
  • Brockenhurst College
  • Kingston Maurward
  • Paragon Skills (various apprenticeships, https//paragonskills.co.uk/get-qualified/sectors-and-apprenticeships/
  • Private tutoring

  • Bed
  • Wardrobe
  • Chest of drawers
  • Bedside cabinet

The young person is welcome to bring any personal items to personalise the room and to have input into the décor.

The house is staffed 24 hours a day.  There will be management cover between 9 – 5 Monday to Friday and on call at other times.  Support staff will be present in the house at all times, so there is always someone to talk to.

There are specialists in the team including a Psychologist and Counsellor that will be available from time to time or as required.

An initial psychological assessment

Weekly key-working

Weekly work on good mental health, recovery and future planning

Counsellor input

Mindfulness sessions

Life skills workshops

Support in attending external activities – health, sport, the arts, education

Staff on shift 24 hours a day to talk to when needed.

Yes.  In order to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all young people and staff there is a set of guidelines around living at Heath House.

We believe that respect between residents and staff is essential in order to maximise the support and opportunities at Heath House and therefore there is a set of roles and responsibilities that detail our expectations.

If someone is not meeting their responsibilities, a supportive meeting will take place involving the keyworker, manager and any other professionals the Young Person may want to be present.

If behaviours that risk the safety of others in the house continue without any effort to make progress, ultimately the Young Person risks losing their place in the house.  This would be an absolute last resort and all other efforts would be exhausted before this decision was reached.

Overnight visitors are not permitted at Heath House.  This is for a variety of reasons including Health & Safety and Insurance conditions.

We do, however, believe that it very important to maintain, improve and foster relationships with family members and friends.  Visitors are very welcome at other times of the day between the hours of 9am and 9pm following a risk assessment.

There is a large garden at the rear of the house with a BBQ to enjoy during the warmer weather.

The house has a very comfortable lounge with TV, Netflix, and a games console.

A shared PC and internet access, with appropriate safeguards, is also available.

There is a large open plan kitchen/diner/social area where residents will participate in food preparation and cooking.

We actively encourage outdoor activities and are perfectly situated, opposite Redhill Common, one of the UK’s smallest nature reserves.

Small pets may be permitted, for example a hamster, fish or bird.  We do not allow cats or dogs.

The young person will received a weekly allowance in line with Universal Credit.

The young person will receive a Winter and Summer clothing allowance, they will also receive a Birthday and Christmas allowance.

You will be responsible for paying for all toiletries, clothing, telephone costs and travel.  You may be eligible for a bus pass if you are in education.  You may also have to pay a top up for food out of your weekly allowance.

Testimonials

“Thank you for never giving up on me even when I’ve given up on myself”

Anon

“Manager has been supportive and accommodating. It is clear she has a really good relationship with the young person, very human I would say!”

IRO feedback

“For the first time I actually feel listened to, supported and not pushed away when I’m not in a good place.  We get counselling and everything I’ve never been offered this before, it’s a good place”.

Anon

“I just wanted to touch based to say that as Children’s Commissioner I am fully supportive of your provision.  As you will know we have placed several young people with you and seen some very positive outcomes achieved.”

Anon

Heath House

It was only this week myself and other members of my team had commented on the standard of this provision.

Michelle and her team are welcoming towards young people provide a high quality of living environment tailored to YP needs. Whilst creating a homely environment which can be seen as a home rather than a placement.

I don’t think I have seen another provision with such high standards and qualified staff in the Bournemouth/Dorset area.

Youth Justice Officer

Latest News At Heath House

February 29, 2024

Heath House and Cedar House have clashed twice this month for “the Libre cup”.  The first match ended 7-3...
Read More

November 7, 2023

This month our Disney Frozen mega fan was whisked away on a surprise trip along with her keyworker to...
Read More

October 31, 2023

At Heath House the team and young people have enjoyed decorating the home for Halloween along with watching some...
Read More

Get In Touch

If you are interested in Heath House please fill out the form or use the details below, or else to make a general enquiry please contact us here:

Email: info@libreliving.co.uk
Phone: 01202 859328