Lawrence House Therapeutic Community

Overview Lawrence House is a bespoke therapeutic community dedicated to supporting young people who have survived complex trauma. Our approach is deeply rooted in the SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents with Recurring Chronic Stress) model, ensuring young people receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.

Situated in Knowsley, just outside Liverpool, Lawrence House is a tranquil and supportive environment designed to assist young people transitioning from tier 4 adolescent mental health services. The home provides a structured and nurturing space for young people who may struggle with emotional regulation, self-worth, and self-harm. With a fully integrated wraparound care plan, we ensure that those experiencing acute stress and trauma receive the therapeutic interventions necessary to foster healing and growth.

Our Therapeutic and Educational Approach Our commitment to therapeutic care extends to our on-site school, which is seamlessly integrated into our holistic approach. With a dedicated Mental Health Tutor, we incorporate mental health literacy and resilience-building into the curriculum, ensuring that education is both accessible and supportive of emotional well-being.

The clinical team at Lawrence House is led by a Clinical Psychologist and includes assistant psychologists, therapeutic practitioners, and therapeutic assistants. Our team is continuously supported through a robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of therapeutic best practices. Every QPC home, including Lawrence House, is equipped with dedicated mental health first-aiders to provide immediate and ongoing emotional support.

Research and Innovation Lawrence House is committed to pioneering new approaches through research and training. We have collaborated with Edge Hill University and Manchester Metropolitan University to develop and enhance the SPARCS model, exploring its benefits within the residential care sector. This research initiative helped too:

• Enhance resilience among young people, staff, and the organization as a whole.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of SPARCS in a residential setting from the perspective of young people.
• Develop a resilience scale tailored for children in care and residential care workers.
• Establish best practices that contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

Community Engagement and Social Development While Lawrence House provides an inclusive and integrated service, we also recognize the importance of community engagement. Our dedicated team supports young people in giving back to the community, fostering confidence and a sense of social responsibility.

Risk Management and Safety Safety is a core component of our therapeutic approach. Lawrence House utilizes evidence-based assessment tools such as the STORM self-harm and suicide risk mitigation tool, with plans to implement the ASSIST assessment model. These tools help our team continuously assess and respond to risk factors, ensuring the highest level of care and protection for our young people.

Therapeutic Activities and Well-being In addition to clinical and educational interventions, we incorporate a variety of therapeutic activities to promote well-being and self-worth. These include:

• Sailing and narrowboat trips.
• Relaxation and spa experiences.
• Mindfulness and grounding exercises.

Our ultimate goal is to help young people develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional strength to contribute positively to the social world.

Regulation and Quality Assurance Lawrence House is a registered Therapeutic Community with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Community of Communities. Our quality assurance is conducted through this affiliation, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of care.

Admissions and Placement Considerations Lawrence House accommodates up to four young people of mixed gender, with a robust matching process and impact assessments to ensure a safe and harmonious living environment. Our admission criteria consider the needs of each individual alongside the group dynamics to provide a stable and supportive setting. We support young people with a range of needs.

Every placement includes a comprehensive assessment of risk, behavior management strategies, and resilience factors, ensuring a clear and structured care plan that facilitates either a long-term stay or a transition to a more suitable setting.

Our Core Values At Lawrence House, our philosophy aligns with the core values of QPC, ensuring that we provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment:

• Attachment: Healthy attachment is a fundamental human right.
• Containment: A safe and supportive environment is essential for development.
• Respect: Every individual is more than their challenges.
• Communication: All behavior is a form of communication.
• Interdependence: Well-being arises from mutual relationships.
• Relationships: The quality of relationships determines one’s social well-being.
• Participation: Having a voice in one’s care fosters empowerment.
• Process: Thoughtful reflection is often more valuable than immediate action.
• Balance: Both positive and negative experiences shape growth.
• Responsibility: Mutual responsibility strengthens individuals and communities.

At Lawrence House, we are committed to living and learning together, fostering an environment where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.