The Beacon: New intensive day treatment centre provides hope for young people with eating disorders
A new specialist day treatment centre for young people with eating disorders has been opened by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
The Beacon, based at the Trust’s Ida Darwin site in Fulbourn, Cambridge, will provide care and support for those aged 13 to 18.
It has been commissioned by the East of England Provider Collaborative which works with CPFT and five other leading mental health providers in the region to improve services. There is already a similar high-intensity treatment centre in Norfolk and there are more planned for other areas in the East of England.
Nyssa Cooper, service manager for CPFT’s community eating disorder services (pictured), said: “We are delighted to open The Beacon which will be another step forward in the treatment and support of young people with eating disorders.
“Many young people who are referred to us are treated very successfully by our community teams. But for those patients who would benefit from more intensive treatment, The Beacon will be an option available to them, either as an alternative to inpatient hospital treatment or as enhanced care that allows them to stay connected to their family and friends.
“It will also support those who may have been at inpatient wards for a period of time and allow them to return home sooner.”
With a range of staff including a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurses, occupational therapists and family therapists, young people will initially attend The Beacon four days a week for six weeks.
Offering evidence-based treatment which promotes recovery, reduces relapse, and improves long-term outcomes, each patient will have a bespoke care plan.
Parents and carers will be fully involved and invited to attend regular family appointments and treatment reviews. A parent and carer group, giving them a chance to share ideas and experiences, will also take place once a week.
Nyssa (pictured) added: “An eating disorder is serious mental health condition which can have severe psychological, physical and social consequences, but recovery is possible.
“The Beacon will complement our dedicated community teams and offer the young people in our care an opportunity to move forward from their eating disorder.”
Andy Graham, Managing Director of the East of England Provider Collaborative, said: “It is fantastic to be working with CPFT on this important initiative which transforms the way that care and treatment is offered to young people who have an eating disorder. This truly delivers our aim to provide better care, closer to home and outside of hospital where possible.”
CPFT employs more than 4,700 staff who provide community physical healthcare for older people and those with long-term conditions, mental healthcare for adults and young people, eating disorder services in Norfolk, health visiting and school nursing in Peterborough, social care services and ;earning disability support. The Trust is also renowned for its research work.
ENDS
For further information contact: communications@cpft.nhs.uk
