Pennine as a Therapeutic Community

Pennine is part of the Community of Communities Network.

What is a Therapeutic Community?

A Therapeutic Community (TC) is a place whose primary aim is to help people with their emotional and interpersonal problems. The way this help is structured is guided by a set of values and beliefs about the way people should treat each other and be treated, based on self-awareness, interdependence, deep mutual respect and assumption of personal responsibility. These shape the principles, which underpin TC practice. TCs differ in the details of their approach, depending on the client group.

What are the values of TCs?

Central to all TCs is the belief that people can change, and that in order to realise their potential as individuals and active citizens, they require an environment that fosters personal growth. They need to form relationships with others in an atmosphere of trust and security, they need to be valued, accepted and supported by those around them and they need to take real responsibility for themselves, others and their environment. A strong sense of community membership and belonging are critical to the process; in order to benefit from participation in a TC the member must be positively motivated to change, and to accept the TC’s rules. These rules uphold the values and norms of the community, which are a reflection of those held by society.

Who can TCs help?

TC principles can be applied to the therapeutic care of a wide range of people in different settings. TCs can be residential or day facilities. They can be located across all sectors in Health and Social Care, including the Prison Service. They help some of society’s most vulnerable and socially excluded adults, children and young people. Problems include mental illness, learning difficulties, substance misuse, severe emotional and behavioural difficulties and offending behaviour.

What do TCs do?

A TC is an informal, casual environment. Members and staff are not immediately distinguishable from each other (with the exception of prison TCs) and there is a distinct communal atmosphere. The TC offers a safe environment with a clear structure of boundaries and expectations.

TCs have a daily structure that incorporates all practical arrangements for maintaining and developing the community, as well as a varied programme of formal and informal therapeutic activity, These may include group or individual therapy, creative therapies, social or cultural activities, and educational or work placements. All members of the TC are involved in the daily programme that contributes to both the individual’s needs as well as those of the community as a whole.