Blackthorn Trust is a long-established Health and Community Hub, our work is based on the belief that more than medication is required to affect positive change.

We offer a six-month placement offering a range of social therapeutic workshops including breadmaking, café, craft, cooking, gardening, plant nursery, stained glass and woodwork.

Placements may also include one-to-one therapy sessions. Our holistic therapies address the whole person and we endeavour to support individuals to manage their symptoms while at the same time strengthening their confidence and motivation. The therapies that we offer are Arts Counselling, Biographical Counselling, CranioSacral Therapy, Metal Colour Light Therapy and Rhythmical Massage.

Everyone enrolled on a programme is accompanied by a staff mentor throughout their time at Blackthorn.

Our mental health programme is designed to support individuals to:

• strengthen confidence, spark motivation, broaden outlook and experience

• reduce symptoms

• reduce isolation

• build resilience and manage well-being

• identify aspirations and learn practical skills

• explore next steps and access partner organisations

• access specialist advice on benefits, finance, housing, and employment issues

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• to be 16 years of age and over
• to experience mental health difficulties
• to be able to engage for two half days a week at the Blackthorn site

Suitability for this programme will be decided following an initial assessment. 

EXCLUSION CRITERIA 

Unfortunately, we are NOT able to offer placements to people who: 

• have attended and completed a Blackthorn Trust programme less than three years ago
• have a history of, or current tendency to violence
• are experiencing an acute mental health crisis
• have a history of sexual offences
• have a current alcohol/substance misuse or addiction
• need 1 to1 supervision/support

Referral process

We ask that individuals be referred to Blackthorn Trust by their GP or Mental Health professional.

Surgeries hold our referral form on their database. Alternatively, you can download it, take to your GP and ask them to return the completed form to: referrals@blackthorn.org.uk

Download our Referral Form here

We also offer a range of Self-pay therapeutic services; more information can be found be clicking HERE.

TESTIMONIAL

“A number of clients of Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Maidstone Community Mental Health team have benefitted from a Co-Workers placement at Blackthorn Trust as a pathway to return to paid employment.

The placements have proved incredibly successful and with outstanding care and support from staff, volunteers and indeed other Co-Workers, many people have made the vital transition back to paid employment having a positive impact on their mental health recovery.”

Jeanette Freeman Vocational Rehabilitation Lead, NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust