Meeting Needs

A significant factor in achieving agreed outcomes is through the living environment, or milieu, at Fellside. Therapy, in its broadest sense, is the relief from pain and suffering and the promotion of health and well-being. We believe that living as part of the community we have created at Fellside, sharing its values and experiencing the genuine care we have for each other, provides the platform for individuals to achieve their goals and realise their potential.

This is the essence of the therapeutic milieu.

Our approach is underpinned by the philosophy of The Human Givens. It takes its name from the set of emotional needs and abilities that is common to all of us. When someone is unhappy, unwell or being difficult, there will be emotional needs that are not being met in their lives in a balanced and authentic way. This doesn't remove their responsibility for their behaviour, but it does provide an insight into why they are behaving as they are, and it may give some clues to the solution.

Living at Fellside ensures an integrated learning experience within a physical, social and educational environment, from structured education, individual therapy, small discussion groups, shopping, participation in local community activities or playing in the grounds. These experiences allow each young person who comes to Fellside to challenge all that has gone before; to look for what is missing in their lives and work towards correcting this imbalance, so that needs are met enabling them to make positive choices for their future.

We also clearly distinguish needs from wants and build on individuals' inherent resources to add to, and thereby improve, their cognitive, emotional and behavioural skills base where necessary.

Individual therapy is available to help reduce anxiety, break the cycle of depression, resolve trauma, manage anger and stop addictive behaviour. We have a new three-storey building in Kendal (Human Givens Consultancy), uniquely dedicated to the development of Human Givens practice and training.

Our education programme aims to raise self-esteem through achievement and give meaning through being stretched. Our formal school curriculum includes the teaching of skills to deal with bullying, conflict, anxiety, jealousy, relationship problems and other co-morbid conditions that damage emotional health.

In addition to the school based programme, we can also include part-time college placements, work experience and advice from careers and employment agencies.

Fellside operates a three term educational year following closely the dates used by Cumbria Local Education Authority.

Fellside is five minutes walk from the town centre (fifteen back up the hill).