Bluebell Cottage (Ofsted rated GOOD) is a registered Therapeutic Community with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Community of Communities. Located in Knowsley, just outside Liverpool, it is a tranquil home in a quiet semi-rural area, providing therapeutic residential care for up to four young women. As a fully integrated therapeutic community with on-site education, Bluebell Cottage offers a tailored combination of care, therapy, and education to ensure young people have the support they need to develop resilience, independence, and self-worth.

Therapeutic Approach

Bluebell Cottage is designed as a long-term placement for young people who require less intensive therapeutic crisis interventions but still benefit from ongoing therapeutic support. The home utilizes a SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents with Recurring Chronic Stress) based approach, working particularly well with young women who have experienced complex trauma. The therapeutic environment fosters a strong sense of safety and belonging, ensuring each young person is supported on their individual journey toward stability and emotional well-being.

Integrated Education

Bluebell Cottage has an on-site education provision through Lawrence House School, an Independent Special School integrated into the home’s therapeutic program. All school staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and the curriculum is bespoke to each student, scaffolded by the Five Ways to Wellbeing. This ensures that education at Bluebell Cottage is both academically enriching and supportive of each young person’s mental and emotional health. A dedicated Mental Health Tutor further integrates mental health literacy and resilience into the structured educational program.

Specialist Support

Bluebell Cottage has experience supporting young people transitioning from Tier 4 mental health services, as well as those on the autism spectrum. The home has also successfully worked with young people experiencing gender dysphoria, providing a compassionate and inclusive space that allows them to explore their identity safely. Staff collaborate closely with Tavistock services and local transgender community support groups, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gender identity support.

Unique Features

A distinguishing feature of Bluebell Cottage is its one-bed standalone provision within its grounds. This space has been used for semi-independent living as well as for young women who struggle with group living and require a more individualised approach. This flexible setup allows for tailored transitions between solo and group living, enabling young people to develop confidence and life skills at their own pace. Additionally, the home boasts a standalone classroom within its extensive gardens, offering a bespoke, therapeutic educational setting within a peaceful environment.

Clinical and Therapeutic Team

Bluebell Cottage’s clinical team is led by experienced psychiatrists and supported by assistant psychologists, therapeutic practitioners, and therapeutic assistants. All staff undergo ongoing professional development and training, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality therapeutic care. The team utilizes a range of clinical and educational assessments to tailor interventions to each young person’s specific needs, ensuring a holistic and person-centred approach.

Risk Management and Safety

The home employs a range of assessment tools to support young people in managing risk, including the STORM self-harm and suicide risk mitigation tool. Bluebell Cottage will soon implement the ASSIST model of assessment, further enhancing its ability to monitor and respond to fluctuating risk levels. These tools allow for a dynamic, responsive approach to ensuring young people’s safety while promoting their autonomy and self-awareness.

Community Engagement and Wellbeing

To promote self-worth and personal development, Bluebell Cottage incorporates a range of community-based activities into its therapeutic program. These experiences include outdoor activities such as sailing and narrowboating, as well as relaxation-focused interventions like spa and wellness sessions. These opportunities allow young people to build confidence, develop social skills, and engage in positive risk-taking in a structured and supportive setting.

Ethos and Values

Bluebell Cottage operates under the core values of Quality Protects Children (QPC), which emphasize:

• Attachment: Establishing healthy and secure relationships.
• Containment: Providing a safe and supportive environment for growth.
• Respect: Recognizing each individual’s unique experiences and strengths.
• Communication: Understanding behavior as a form of communication.
• Interdependence: Encouraging supportive relationships within the community.
• Participation: Empowering young people to influence their care and environment.
• Process: Encouraging reflection and thoughtful decision-making.
• Balance: Valuing both positive and challenging experiences as essential to growth.
• Responsibility: Promoting accountability within the therapeutic community.

Outcomes and Future Goals

Bluebell Cottage is committed to achieving outstanding outcomes for young people by focusing on individualized care planning, goal setting, and regular progress assessments. The home ensures that young people develop the skills and emotional resilience needed for independent living, with structured support for transitions into adulthood.

As part of its ongoing development, Bluebell Cottage aims to gain full accreditation with the Community of Communities and will continue to engage in peer reviews and research partnerships, including its work with Manchester Metropolitan University on the SPARCS model.

Through a combination of therapeutic care, integrated education, and a strong sense of community, Bluebell Cottage provides young women with the foundation they need to move forward with confidence, hope, and the ability to contribute positively to the social world.