GMMH adopts HOPE(S) model to transform care for people in seclusion and long-term segregation
We are proud to announce the adoption of the nationally acclaimed HOPE(S) model, a transformative human-based rights approach to working with individuals in segregation developed from research and clinical practice.
It reduces the use of long-term segregation and in the use and duration of seclusion sometimes experienced by individuals.
Developed by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and independently evaluated by Manchester Metropolitan University, HOPE(S) clinical model has demonstrated significant success in improving outcomes for individuals involved within the programme.
The HOPE(S) model has supported over 125 individuals, with 68% exiting long-term segregation (LTS) at least once and 79 remaining out of LTS by March 2025. The model has also seen a 21% reduction in physical restraint, 12% decline in chemical restraint, and seclusion decreased by over 33%.
Nearly a third of individuals were discharged directly into the community, highlighting the model’s effectiveness in enabling meaningful reintegration.
This supports our Strategic Priority to “Deliver Care that Matters” ensuring people receive the right support at the right time and in the right place, embracing a ‘community-first’ approach.
The HOPE(S) evaluation found:
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Over 100% increase in engagement with meaningful activities and reductions in restrictive practices.
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Improved access to fresh air and personal autonomy.
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Enhanced staff wellbeing, with reduced burnout and increased compassion satisfaction.
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Families reported feeling more included, supported, and hopeful.
This evidence is supported by people’s stories. One family member said: “hope is what it means to us. So, the fact that they go in, they work there, it’s all about least restrictive. It’s about working with the person, the individual. They’re amazing.”
Another family member said: “I can see a genuine smile now, he’s smiling all the time and I can see his sense of humour, his mischief is coming back.”
We are investing in clinical skills and knowledge to focus on reducing restrictive practices in our services, including the introduction of two HOPE(S) Consultant practitioners, Sian Cooper and Dr Lianne Franks.
Sian Cooper, HOPE(S) Consultant Practitioner said, “Adopting the HOPE(S) model reflects our commitment to person-centred, rights-based care that is relentlessly positive in its approach. Grounded in national evidence, this model empowers us to challenge restrictive practices and work alongside individuals, families, and teams to bring an end to long term segregation and reduce the use of seclusion.”
This marks a major step forward in our vision to deliver “Great places for care and great places to work”
The model describes:
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It encourages teams to Harness the system and engage the person (Engagement and system factors)
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Create Opportunities for positive structured activity in an enabling environment (opportunity and environmental factors)
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Identify Preventative and protective factors (preventing risk factors)
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Enhancing and maintaining coping a skills (individual factors)
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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.
