Business Details
41 Years
experience
Residential Mental Health Support in Devon
Maria Skobtsova House is a Devon-based organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health conditions through a unique model of communal living. Founded on principles of dignity, equality, and mutual respect, we prioritise restoring the ordinary dynamics of domestic life while fostering independence and personal growth. Our approach integrates structured routines, therapeutic activities, and tailored care plans to address individual needs. With over three decades of experience, we collaborate with healthcare professionals and statutory bodies to ensure holistic support.Our high staff-to-resident ratio enables personalised attention, while our emphasis on social interaction and shared responsibilities creates a nurturing environment. We offer diverse outdoor and creative activities, educational opportunities, and vocational support to empower residents. Regular feedback mechanisms and continuous staff training uphold our commitment to quality care. Recognised for our person-centred ethos, we aim to help individuals transition from institutional settings to fulfilling, self-directed lives within a supportive community framework.
Services
Residential Support
Outdoor Activities
Staff Training
Community Integration
Personalised Care Plans
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- High staff-to-resident ratios ensure personalised care and consistent support
- Proven track record in transforming lives through person-centred mental health care
- Comprehensive outdoor and creative activities programme for holistic development
- Award-winning staff training accredited to national care standards
- CQC-inspected homes with documented success in resident rehabilitation
Associations and certifications
- Investors in People
What people say
Life-changing support
Exceptional staff dedication
Empowering environment
Personal growth opportunities
Strong community bonds
Services
Residential Support
Our residential support provides structured living environments for individuals recovering from mental health challenges. Residents develop independence through shared domestic responsibilities, social interaction, and tailored care plans. The programme includes 24/7 staff support, therapeutic activities, and gradual transition to independent living. Each home offers a safe space for personal growth while maintaining connections with local communities.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities form a core part of our rehabilitation approach. Residents participate in guided walks across Dartmoor, water sports on the River Dart, and gardening projects. These activities promote physical health, build confidence, and facilitate social bonding. The programme adapts to individual abilities while encouraging gradual exposure to new challenges in natural settings.
Staff Training
Our award-winning training programmes develop staff expertise in mental health care. The curriculum covers conflict resolution, physical interventions, and person-centred care approaches. All staff complete the Care Certificate with opportunities for advanced QCF qualifications. Continuous professional development ensures staff maintain skills aligned with national care standards and best practices.
Community Integration
Community integration focuses on building connections between residents and local populations. Activities include cultural outings, volunteer work with organisations like the National Trust, and participation in local events. This approach reduces social isolation by fostering meaningful relationships and helping residents re-establish their roles within broader society.
Personalised Care Plans
Each resident receives customised care plans addressing specific needs and goals. Plans incorporate medical requirements, personal preferences, and developmental objectives. Regular reviews involve residents, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure evolving needs are met. The approach balances structured support with resident autonomy in decision-making processes.
People
Father Benedict Ramsden
Community Founder
Founded Maria Skobtsova House over 30 years ago with a vision for compassionate mental health care. His theological approach prioritises human dignity and equality in therapeutic environments. Continues to influence the organisation's ethos through ongoing leadership and spiritual guidance.
Helen Tuckett
Head of Care
Leads care provision across all residential homes, ensuring adherence to person-centred principles. Oversees staff training programmes and quality assurance processes. With extensive mental health sector experience, she implements innovative care strategies that balance clinical requirements with residents' personal growth needs.
Gill Buxton
Training Manager
Manages the award-winning staff development programme, including conflict resolution and physical intervention training. Ensures all courses meet General Services Association standards. Her work focuses on maintaining high care quality through continuous professional development aligned with national healthcare frameworks.
Questions
What mental health conditions do you support?
We specialise in supporting adults with complex mental health needs, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. Our person-centred approach adapts to individual requirements regardless of specific diagnosis.
How do you involve families in care?
Families participate through regular meetings, care plan reviews, and planned visits. We maintain open communication channels while respecting resident confidentiality and autonomy in decision-making processes.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff complete the Care Certificate with ongoing training in physical interventions, breakaway techniques, and QCF qualifications. Our Investors in People accreditation ensures continuous professional development aligned with national care standards.
How do residents transition to independent living?
Transition involves gradual steps including home visits, budgeting practice, and skill-building activities. Staff provide ongoing support during the process, with some residents moving to their own flats while maintaining community connections.
Are your homes CQC registered?
Yes, all our residential services are registered with the Care Quality Commission. We maintain compliance through regular inspections and documented quality improvement processes based on CQC feedback.
What outdoor activities are available?
Activities include guided Dartmoor walks, River Dart canoeing, gardening projects, and coastal excursions. The programme adapts to individual abilities while promoting physical health and social interaction in natural environments.
