Jointly commissioned by the Hampshire, Sussex and Kent Provider Collaborative, the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board and Kent County Council, the Lodge, in Ashford, opened in July 2024.
The service, which supports young people aged 11 to 18 years, offers strengths-based, holistic support to young people, based on a model called the Solihull Approach. This is an early intervention framework of support that aims to increase the emotional health and well-being of both children and families.
The team at The Lodge work with young people, their families and professionals to develop a personalised plan to ensure their stay is successful and meaningful.
Life skills
Young people are also supported to develop skills to build independence and given training in daily living tasks such as personal hygiene, cleaning, cooking, social skills and understanding emotions and feelings. Length of stay is based on the needs of individuals with a focus on enabling the young people to return home as soon as possible.
The two-bedded unit, which supports young people who are at risk of being admitted to hospital as well as those who require additional support following discharge from hospital, has been co-designed and co-produced with young people and families.
Staff and the young people using the service will be supported by the Kent and Medway Dynamic Support Service (previously known as the Designated Keyworking Service). All referrals to The Lodge must be made via the Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s Dynamic Support Forum.
For further information about The Lodge, please email squirrel.