Who we help

Clients referred to CHT come with a range of different mental health problems. The majority suffer from psychosis, most frequently schizophrenia. Others may have anxiety or an obsessive compulsive disorder, while others may suffer from severe depression or an eating disorder. There is a considerable overlap between mental health problems, substance misuse and homelessness, and we have continued to see an increase in the number of clients referred with a dual or multiple diagnosis. In practice this means that CHT's staff help clients who may be in considerable mental distress much of the time. They may be excessively worried and in an agitated state, experience obsessive thoughts associated with some form of compulsive behaviour; some may have lost all interest in life and have acute feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Others may be preoccupied with suicidal thoughts or become extremely elated or over active, hear voices and have paranoid ideas. Often clients' sleep patterns are affected by their mental illness and they may try to inflict deliberate self harm by cutting themselves or taking overdoses of medication, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or taking illegal drugs.

CHT also works with homeless ex-service men and women who are suffering from psychological trauma. Home Base is an innovative project which helps people who are psychologically damaged as a result of the institutional culture of the armed forces, the military culture and, in some cases the experience of combat.

CHT has worked closely with the Department of Communities and Local Government on the recent non-statutory guidance on tackling the emotional and psychological needs of homeless people in which Home Base is cited as an example of best practice in the care and treatment of former members of the armed forces with complex trauma who have become homeless.

Click link for further details: www.nmhdu.org.uk/complextrauma

Referring a patient

If you would like to refer someone to us please fill out the form with your details and we will contact you back.

In order for us to give proper consideration to this application, please also provide a detailed social/psychiatric report and post it to our Central Office. It must include:

1. Family background: parents, siblings and other important blood relatives and significant others; relationships within the family; family history of psychiatric difficulties.

2. Personal background: childhood and development; emotional/psychological development; employment.

3. Present situation: relevant details of current psychological/social difficulties; events leading to application; the specific situations in which any disturbed behaviour tends to occur.

Please describe the therapeutic approaches which have already been used with the applicant, and the extent to which they have proved successful. Also include psychiatric data on hospital admission and treatment. Existing reports from psychiatrists, probation officers, social workers and any other professionals should also be attached if available. Please indicate which reports are included: psychiatrist, social Worker, probation officer.