Elly Jansen OBE had a big impact on the development of therapeutic communities in Britain and the world: she started with one community for adults in mental distress in Richmond in 1959 and then opened over 50 therapeutic communities in the UK and another 50 worldwide over the next 20 years. She also developed a comprehensive training offer for the staff of the Richmond Fellowship (as it became known) that was unique at the time. Her story is not without controversy, especially in the latter years, but she remains committed to the principles of therapeutic communities and has funded the establishment of the Elly Jansen Award for research and writing which is now in its second year. Peter Cockersell, CEO of CHT (itself founded by Elly Jansen in 1994) will present some of her history and contribution, followed by a discussion of the role of therapeutic communities in mental health provision today.

Facilitators

Julile Dilallo

Julie Dilallo has worked in mental health services for almost 40yrs moving from CAMHS 10yrs ago. She is a Consultant Psychotherapist and Clinical lead for Specialist personality disorder services in Kent where there are 2 Therapeutic communities, Ash Eton In Folkestone and The Brenchley Unit in Maidstone. She worked on the transformation of mental health services in Kent bringing the ethos of relational practice to the pathway, she continues to support the local SUN project and is a keen advocate for engaging experts by experience into such projects.

Peter Cockersell

Dr Peter Cockersell FRSA, CEO of Community, Housing and Therapy (CHT), which Elly founded in 1994, will present an overview of her history and contributions, followed by a discussion on the role of therapeutic communities in today’s mental health provision.

Elly Jansen Award

Original Articles

First prize: £1000 and publication in the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities

Two runners-up: £500 each

Research Proposal

First prize: A grant of up to 5000 for original research into the effectiveness or practice of therapeutic communities

email ejaward@cht.org.uk for more information