What is HOPE(S)
The HOPE(S) model is an ambitious human rights based approach to working with individuals in segregation developed from research and clinical practice.
The clinical model was developed by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. It reduces the use of long term segregation sometimes experienced by autistic adults, adults with a learning disability and children and young people.
Mersey Care has been commissioned by NHS England to deliver a national programme. We have specially trained practitioners working at sites across the country. Mersey Care has wide experience of good practice in complex care settings and continue to collect clinical evidence as part of our commitment to learning.
This programme, to roll out the model across services in England, has been funded by NHS England. It is subject to national scrutiny and Mersey Care is working closely with Manchester Metropolitan University to provide academic oversight and research into the success of the model.
The HOPE(S) clinical model has what is described as “a relentlessly positive” approach to supporting people in long term segregation.
The model describes:
- It 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.
Learn more: The programme in detail on Centre for Perfect Care's website.
The HOPE(S) model is led by Mersey Care. Clinical psychologist Dr Jennifer Kilcoyne is the co-author and Director. She is also a consultant for the World Health Organisation.
Lead nurse Danny Angus is the co-author and Associate Director. In the below film from Mersey Care, Dr Jennifer Kilcoyne and Danny Angus, along with Lead Practitioner Dr Leanne Franks, introduce the programme:
In this 45 second film, National Mental Heath Director Claire Murdoch, explains why NHS England is rolling out this programme to provide ‘a revolution in care’:
On the Centre for Perfect Care website, there are further films where we hear from people who use services and the practitioners who are delivering the programme across the country.