The Limes is a specialist rehabilitation service for men with a mental illness and/or Personality Disorder. The aim of the service is to equip the service user with the skills needed for increased independence and community living. The service uses a unique Compassion Focussed model and focuses its interventions on a recovery that is unique to each individual.

Individualised Treatment at The Limes

Each patient at The Limes is encouraged to work collaboratively with the team to develop an individualised treatment plan based on their needs, goals and what is important to them. Overall aims of treatment are to focus on collaboratively managing mental and physical health, build relationships with staff, friends and family, engage with the local community, reduce risk, increase levels of responsibility and develop skills for independence.

Model of Care

The Limes offers a unique model that combines Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) with Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) alongside “Safewards”. PBS enables patients to understand the function of their behaviours and enables patients to develop the ability to share that with others in their lives. CFT has a focus on nurturance and compassion and supports patients to become less critical and judgmental of themselves and others. The combination of the two models helps break down the internal threat system that often prevents people moving on from services. CFT works alongside a range of psychosocial interventions, offence related work and relapse prevention programmes provided at The Limes. Safewards provides a tested, holistic framework to improve communication between patients and staff and the overall ward environment.

Community Integration and Discharge Preparation

There is significant emphasis upon accessing mainstream resources within the local community and providing patients with the opportunity to develop robust community skills. The service is in the village of Langwith, Nottinghamshire and is just a short walk away from local amenities. Public transport is readily available, enabling patients to develop their confidence in using the bus and train network.

The location of The Limes provides the ideal place for men to develop the essential life skills required for a successful and meaningful life in the community. Actively using the community resource will assist service users in generating social networks external to the service that can be utilised upon discharge from the service, mitigating the risk of or isolation.

Admission Criteria

• Men over the age of 18
• Primary diagnosis of Mental Illness with:
  • Complex mental health needs including Personality Disorder
  • Challenging behaviours
  • Substance and alcohol misuse
• May have a mild Learning Disability
• May or may not be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (Amended 2007)
• May have a forensic history
• May be treatment resistant

Patient feedback

“The therapy activities at The Limes have helped me be more confident.”

“I got to The Limes and I thought where have they brought me? I was very poorly; they have helped me to recover and be highly functioning more than ever before! I am now going to my flat three days a week unescorted. They all care for me and treat me with mutual respect. I appreciate the Limes very much”.

“I often work with staff members and fellow patients to help produce short pieces of work on given subjects which are printed or read out to demonstrate the benefits on offer at the Limes. I enjoy this this kind of work because it promotes positive opinions about the Limes and everything which we do here”.