Meeting our aims

If the fundamental goal of rehabilitation is to help people to find satisfaction in living with self and others, instead of addictions that supplement low self esteem, then we the helpers must support clients in giving up their need for omnipotence and control.

This is best achieved via sustained exposure to a new experience of a peer group identity:

  • stopping destructive, unhealthy behaviours and keeping them stopped.
  • recognising the therapeutic value of support

If the fundamental goal of rehabilitation is to help people to find satisfaction in living with self and others, instead of addictions that supplement low self esteem, then we the helpers must support clients in giving up their need for omnipotence and control.

This is best achieved via sustained exposure to a new experience of a peer group identity:

  • stopping destructive, unhealthy behaviours and keeping them stopped.
  • recognising the therapeutic value of support

The aims of the programme will be achieved through:

* Group therapy

* 1:1 key-working

* Complementary therapies

* Talks and workshops

* Written assignments

* Participation in therapeutic duties and house-based activities.

Expectations of Client Conduct

It would not be possible to run a safe therapeutic environment, if we had a list of expectations which did not include a set of basic safety needs, community obligations and personal responsibilities. Boundaries are helpful if intelligently and sensitively applied.

Individual client choice is inevitably somewhat reduced in a structured setting. Therefore it is essential that the choice people make in coming to Chandos is an appropriately informed one and that the few rules that we have should be adhered to strictly. Breach of a House Rule may result in immediate discharge!

Community Ground Rules

Negotiation and Fairness

  • Seeking mutually satisfying resolutions to conflict
  • Accepting change
  • Being willing to compromise

Equality and Respect

  • Listening to one another non-judgementally
  • Being emotionally affirming and understanding
  • Valuing each other’s opinions, similarities and differences

Honesty and Accountability

  • Accepting responsibility for self
  • Acknowledging past use of control
  • Admitting being wrong
  • Communicating openly and truthfully

Shared Responsibilities

  • Mutually agreeing on a fair distribution of work
  • Making community decisions together

Non-threatening Behaviour

  • Talking and acting so that each resident feels safe and comfortable in expressing themselves
  • Ensuring that nobody feels physically intimidated and insecure in their environment

Trust and Support

  • Supporting each other’s life goals
  • Respecting each other’s rights to have their own feelings, friends, activities and opinions

Individual Responsibility

  • Being a positive, non-violent role model for your peers
  • Being mindful of others and their welfare

Economic Partnership

  • Making financial decisions together
  • Making sure all residents benefit from financial arrangements

House Rules

  • No possession or use of alcohol and/or other drugs, on or off the premises
  • No harm to self or to others
  • Guests or visitors who are known to be in breach of Rule 1 must not be let into the house by residents
  • No theft or wilful damage of property
  • No physical violence, or threats of
  • Any resident with a history of or suffering from an active eating disorder, should discuss it with their keyworker
  • Any prescribed and non-prescribed medicines must be discussed with staff before they are taken
  • Residents will not enable / cover up / collude with others who break the House Rules. To help you understand the process and consequences of enabling, a pamphlet entitled ‘Enabling in Treatment’ is available from staff. Please ask for a copy
  • No overnight absence without prior permission of staff