A
risky business…
By John Cunningham
~
editor@societyguardian.co.uk
~ Wednesday
August 21 2002
First
respite centre for suicidal people is to open in London
Paddy Bazeley always hoped callers to the Samaritans would feel better
after a chat with her. But she often wondered how long the effect would
last, and whether more time spent with suicidal people would make a real
difference to them.
Now, after 30 years with the
Samaritans, first as a volunteer, then as a member of staff, Bazeley is
about to find out. She left to co-found and run a respite house
specifically for people who are determined to end their own lives.
The idea for a sanctuary grew out
of her experience at the Samaritans - something she describes as "the
need to nourish people for a bit longer". As they knew of no
short-stay facility for suicidal cases, Bazeley and a small group of
supporters started a charity, Maytree, and raised funds to buy and
renovate a large house in Finsbury Park, north London. From next month, it
will offer four-day respites, without charge, for up to six people, who
will be treated as guests - and given space and support, appropriate to
their needs.
It is perhaps surprising that no
established charity or agency has tried exactly this sort of project
before. Bazeley says that there are "lots of good reasons" why
the Samaritans could not take it on - not least that the charity is
primarily a helpline and that there is likely to be demand for sanctuaries
in many other cities if the first one in the capital is successful.
Michael Knight, chair of the
Maytree Trust, adds: "It may sound a small step, but actually it's a
big one; the resources, the security, the things you need volunteers to do
- the whole relationship is very different."
Simon Armson, chief executive of
the Samaritans, is "a very strong supporter" of the project,
says Bazeley, but she admits that other professionals might think it risky
for a charity to run a house for people who are on a knife edge.
But while Bazeley is sure about
the need - "75% of people who kill themselves have never been in
contact with mental health agencies" - and is committed to catering
only for people at serious risk (those who have made a "suicide
plan" of the method and location of their death), she is aware of the
limits on what can be offered.
For a start, the four-night limit
is arbitrary. "It won't be long enough," says Knight, "but
the longer people stay, the more they run the risk of becoming
dependent."
To discourage this, no return
stays will be permitted, and the founders do not want Maytree to be seen
as a nursing home, nor as a drop-in centre. Knight, a businessman who has
trained as a psychotherapist, says there is real value in offering a short
respite, however, because people intent on suicide are affected by abrupt
mood swings. If they come to Maytree when they are "down", a few
days in a safe environment can make a difference.
Guests will be left alone for as
long as they wish, but two volunteers will be on hand by day and night to
offer befriending. Helpers will be trained listeners, who will also
arrange liaison with the NHS, social and legal services, so that guests
can receive appropriate assistance when they leave.
Maytree expects most referrals to
come from relatives, friends and colleagues of suicidal people; more from
professionals as the facility gets better known. After an initial phone
call, a potential guest will be invited to come along to see whether
Bazeley or Knight, who will always be on hand, feel that respite would be
useful and to ascertain if they would like the regime.
Bazeley is clear about the
reasons for possible refusal. "It might be that we didn't think
someone was as actively suicidal as the person referring them
believed," she says. "It might be because someone is psychotic -
we couldn't manage that - or someone might need some medical intervention
that we can't offer. It is difficult because there is such a debate about
whether somebody needs to be in hospital or not."
Although the final welcoming
touches are being put on the bedrooms and the communal lounge and kitchen,
one thing is still lacking - enough volunteers to provide round-the-clock
cover. "We need 60, but we have about 20," says Bazeley. Maytree
will provide training, but until the full complement is available, the
house will not be taking all the guests for which it has facilities.
Despite their belief in the
project, and although they have a bank of professionals - including GPs,
psychiatrists and lawyers - who have promised help, Bazeley and Knight
know that their approach is untried, and that there could be pitfalls
ahead. The worst thing, Bazeley admits,
will be the first death on the premises. Realistically, she says, "it
is bound to happen sooner or later".
Original
Story
from Society Guardian
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