Linda Felix of Leeds Mind talks to LAF about one of the organisation's latest projects. 

Linda Felix, Project Manager at Leeds MIND Supported Housing Project, said the scheme which was opened to women in February last year was still in its early stages.

It has a capacity for four women, each having their own room and sharing the kitchen, living room and separate bathroom and shower room.

She said: "The women who moved into the scheme initially named it 'Girls Inn', and we have since adopted the name.  However, the name does give the impression that the scheme is for 'girls'.  Girls Inn is for single women (18 and over) who are experiencing mental health problems and emotional distress and use self-harm as a way of coping."

She said initially there had been some reservations about the scheme, misconceptions about the idea of having a shared house where the act of self-harming was permitted.

inda said self-harming was only permitted within the privacy of the women’s own rooms and they were not allowed to self-harm in any of the communal areas.

"A learning curve for me is the way we market the scheme.  By labelling it and calling it a 'self-harm house', as it was called before, has given rise to concerns by professionals that the scheme will encourage women to self-harm more."  Linda continued, "We spend more time supporting the women around the issues that cause them to self-harm, rather than deal with the act itself.  In doing so, it has reduced the frequency of self-harm.

The women we have supported have been traumatised during their childhood and are still dealing with those experiences in their adulthood.  One way they have found to cope with their experiences and their feelings is through self-injury."

We spend more time supporting the women around the issues that cause them to self-harm, rather than deal with the act itself. In doing so, it has reduced the frequency of self-harm.”

She explained Leeds MIND works in a holistic way, respecting clients' needs and trying to support them in the way they want to be supported and that was beneficial to them, and  working towards their independence.Linda said: "We have supported the women in the scheme mainly by providing emotional support.  Talking about everyday stress which impacts on them, sometimes triggering memories of the past that exacerbate the situation and cause more distress, looking at ways they cope and try to explore other methods, for example, self-expression through art, poetry, daily diary of feelings etc.

“We also arrange activities of interest as well as making use of other services within Leeds MIND and other agencies in Leeds."

The Housing Support Worker visits the scheme up to every day and depending on the level of support each woman requires.

Referrals are accepted from all sources and from self-referrals.  For a referral pack or for further information about this scheme, contact Leeds MIND Supported Housing Project on 0113 230 7670.