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'Unique' respite for
suicidal people...
Mark Gould - Wednesday June 21, 2006 - The
Guardian
Referring suicidal people to the
"normalising" environment of a Victorian house where they live
with a group of volunteers has led to a reduction in suicidal behaviour,
according to an analysis of the first four years of a unique charity.
The Maytree respite centre was set up in
2002 by Paddy Bazeley in a terrace house in north London to provide a
sanctuary for up to four guests at a time for a four-night stay.
Bazeley's aim was to reduce the suicidal
thoughts - and actions - of guests by providing a calm environment in
which relationships develop and guests feel listened to and understood.
Nearly 200 people have stayed at Maytree
via referral from hospitals. An analysis of 41 guests that was carried
out by psychiatrist Dr Steve Briggs at the Tavistock and Portman NHS
trust found a "statistically significant reduction in problems and
risks. Guests begin their stay in considerable distress, disturbance and
tension ... During the stay all of these are replaced by greater calm,
relaxation and reflectiveness." Guests reported short-term relief
from stressful and life-threatening states of mind and situations.
Briggs concludes that Maytree has a
"distinctive approach and makes a unique contribution to suicide
prevention".
More details: www.maytree.org.uk.
BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme at noon today contains an
interview with a Maytree guest.
Original
Story
from Society Guardian "Off Diary"
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