Referral to the cassel unsure what to think!
 

Hi everyone

I got told this morning by my social worker that a referral to the cassell is being recommended for me.

I am unsure about it because I do not know too much about it and that it's like a boarding school. I don't deal with change very well and my social worker is leaving in two weeks as well.

If anyone can give some advice or more details that would be great. My social worker and me were wondering if they had any open days or something

Thanks guys

Steph

Hi Steph,

I was referred to The Cassel a few years ago and went for an assessment there. I went on two different days - the first was primarily for an assessment with staff and then the second time was I guess similar to an open day. I met other people who were there, went to some of the groups and just did general things.

Perhaps it would be worth your social worker contacting them and seeing if it would be possible for you to arrange a visit? They seemed very happy to do that with me. I was very unsure about whether I wanted to go or not and until we had decided what to do, they tried to accommodate me the best they could. For example, they knew one of my biggest fears was going to be sharing a bathroom due to my phobia so they offered me to stay for a couple of nights to see how I got on. So I think they are aware people need to see how it is and how they feel about the place!

I actually think the Cassell is a fantastic place and a very good oppurtunity. I unfortunately couldn't go due to MH problems outside their remit and also the phobia but it really did seem a great place. Everyone was lovely and it didn't seem like an institution. All the clients/patients had responsibilities and it seemed like a nice community but with lots of good therapy and help!

Good luck x

The Cassel are very very good and I would jump at the chance to go there. I don't know what makes you think it's like a boarding school- it's not, it's a therapeutic community.

You'll be kept busy during the day with therapy groups and some responsibilities. It's a great place to learn coping skills in a setting that is very supportive and as true to 'real life' as you can get in an inpatient setting.

Usually when you're referred somewhere like The Cassel you are invited to an assessment and they show you around and explain how everything works and you meet the nurses and patients.

Hi!

Thanks for the advice the only reason that I think it is like a boarding school is because that is how it was explained to me when I asked what it was like. I think that going to see what it is like might be a good idea as I'm not too great with change and have had quite difficult inpatient admissions in the past. I will keep you posted on the progress but according to my social worker said that funding shouldn't be a problem

Going to see it sounds really good because maybe then you will bea able to see what it's like and what sort of things they do to help you. As its like a therapeutic community, like Lottie has said, you do things to pitch in like a friend said she had days where her and someone else had to ocok dinner for everyone or had to clean up after people at certain times but you all do it together as your a community. I dont think its like a boarding school at all from what a friend said and hwat people have said before. Because although you may stay there you go home on the weekends and also are allowed out when youre not in groups or therapy. Like Sarah has said I would also jump at the chance to do it.

I know your SW will make a smashing referral and tbh I think it has come at a good time for you because of everything. But like you said, I dont think funding will be difficult for you as you're in the same trust as The Cassel and that it was also a Drs idea for you to go there. In a way it may be good if it avoids you having to be IP at the horrible pace again?

I know you find change really hard but its possible and you have me and S backing you the whole way. This could be the right thing for you to get in a right place for you to start the access course next year!

It's not like a boarding school.

Steph could use some kind words and hugs as shes going through a really hard phase and could use some lovely kind words x

Thinking of you Steph <3 We are here if you want/feel able to talk. xxx