Alie
As one of our young people prepared to move from Oakfield into her very own home at 18, she chose to write a heartfelt letter for the next young person who may be joining us.
Her journey is one we are incredibly proud of. Alie achieved amazing things during her time at Oakfield.
Before joining us, Alie spent six months in hospital. Due to the complexity of her needs, and the perception that she was “too high risk,” she remained in hospital longer than expected, as no residential service felt able to support her safely.
When Alie arrived at Oakfield, we worked closely with her through a focused and nurturing seven-month period. During this time, she truly flourished- growing in confidence, independence, and belief in her own abilities.
Alie's Letter to another Young Person
Welcome to Oakfield, my name is Alie and I live at one of the other homes with my cat Tallulah...
I just wanted to write to you to tell you my experience whilst being here and hopefully answer a few questions or talk through what it is like working towards independent living.
I turn 18 in April and Oakfield is for those under 18, and when I arrived to Oakfield just under a year ago, I was terrified. I didn’t know what my options were until they were explained. Naturally the idea of living on my own at 18 sounded amazing and I knew that was my goal, even though I had a lot of challenges to reach it.
It may seem overwhelming at first but I know you will be able to do it! I started on high risk. Now I have independent time where I am able to leave the placement alone, I never thought I’d get to that point.
The thing that has helped me the most is coming to terms with the fact that recovery is a choice; in the past when I was told this it made me so frustrated and it seemed others wrote it off like it was nothing. Recovery isn’t being happy all the time, it’s admitting when you’re struggling and not ignoring bad days. It is the hardest thing I’ve done and I’m still working through it. And without that choice I wouldn’t be a month away from independence.
Another thing that has helped me is finding something you’re passionate about and incorporating it into activities and your daily life. For an example, I love animals so I now volunteer at a rescue shelter for cats and rabbits; I go twice a week. You can link it to anything, either a hobby like art or a sport. And if you’re unsure you could always try something new.
The best advice I can give you if you want to go into independence is practice those skills such as cooking and cleaning. It gives staff a good indication that you’re able to do those tasks for yourself. At my placement we have A LOT of tick chore sheets (were very annoying at first) and those have helped create a routine for me to stick to and prove that when I live on my own my home will be looked after.
I can proudly say Oakfield is the best thing that has ever happened to me and it whittles down to the people who work in my placement. They all individually have made such an impact on my life and it’s so weird to think a year ago they were strangers. Your staff are there for you entirely and I’ve been able to open up and talk about things and feelings I never thought I would disclose.
I am currently looking at flats to move into and although it’s scary I’m so glad that my efforts have paid off and I can move on with my life. I want you to know that although I don’t know you, I am so proud of you and I know you will flourish at Oakfield and if you decide to work to independence I promise you, you will not regret it.
If you have any question or queries about Oakfield or independence then staff are there to help, but I’m more than happy to do so too.
Sincerely,
Alie
Oakfield Comments
"Alie's progress was remarkable. She successfully transitioned into her own supported living home and is now thriving at university, following her dreams and building the future she once thought was out of reach.
Her letter stands as a message of encouragement, showing what is possible with the right support, understanding, and opportunity."
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Hear from the people who matter most...
Ofsted’s Feedback
On Our Therapeutic Model and Care
“The child is vulnerable and has complex needs, so requires a lot of support. Keeping the child safe is a priority and is integral to daily staff practice.”
Ofsted’s Feedback
On Our Therapeutic Model and Care
“Staff confidently manage complex and challenging situations and take appropriate action to keep the child safe. Staff support the child to understand risk-taking behaviour. Through this support, the number of incidents is reducing.”
Ofsted’s Feedback
On Our Therapeutic Model and Care
“Staff are child-centred, enthusiastic, and dedicated, with a good understanding of the child’s needs.”
Words and Experiences of a Parent
Honest words from parents whose children have been supported by our team.
“My child’s progress at Oakfield has been… STUNNING. He’s a different kid now from when he first came to Oakfield 12 months ago.”
“There isn’t anywhere better.”
Head Local Authority Commissioner
Feedback from a local authority who have been supported by our team.
“Oakfield provide a bespoke service to meet the needs of traumatised and highly vulnerable children who have been exposed to significant trauma in their lives and have been emotionally and physically impacted upon by those experiences.”
“We are very grateful to everyone at Oakfield.”
Local Authority Feedback
Advanced Social Worker says:
“Outside of a secure unit and psychiatric care/detainment this is the most progress (child) has made and efforts to prepare her for community living are intensive and on-going.”
Local Authority Feedback
IRO says:
“The young persons wishes and views are regularly sought. The placement meets all needs. The care is excellent.”
Local Authority Feedback
Head of Service, Local Authority says:
“They appear to be very child centred, whilst proactively managing risk and advocate on a child’s behalf. The reports are comprehensive and sent to the relevant people within the LA, if these have not been accessed you also receive a prompt to review the report.”
“Incident analysis is very clear and provides an understanding of the situation surrounding the incident as a provider Oakfield have been extremely good at working with the LA and working towards care plans for the young person.”
Local Authority Feedback
Social Worker says:
“I think the care is excellent. I would recommend.”
Local Authority Feedback
Social Worker says:
“We’re really, really happy with the care that they are receiving with Oakfield, and the progress that is being made. The young person has got the most stability now than they’ve ever had, and we’ve seen the most progress.”
Local Authority Feedback
Local Authority Quality Assurance Manager says:
“Communication was excellent. I found the home manager very knowledgeable and familiar with our young persons needs, risks, likes and dislikes which was reassuring. I observed the staff team engaging well with our young person. It is lovely to see the progress made since moving to Oakfield and look forward to seeing this continue with the support of the team around her.”
Local Authority Feedback
Senior Social Worker says:
“Most importantly, our young person is happy and feels like they are making progress, this is significant and emphasises the value of your service and provision.”
Local Authority Feedback
Senior Social Worker says:
“I am extremely impressed with Oakfield’s professionalism and attention to detail, the approach is child centred and all risk assessments and intervention plans are focused on promoting the developmental needs of the young person. Accordingly, I have found the team to be very co-operative and engaging, targets and goals are routinely set which allows for the network to measure performance and outcomes.”
Local Authority Feedback
Social Worker says:
“Outside of a secure unit and psychiatric care/detainment this is the most progress [YP] has made and efforts to prepare her for community living are intensive and on-going.”
Local Authority Feedback
LADO (local Authority Designated Officer) says:
“Oakfield’s level of care is Outstanding. Oakfield provides a service to young people who have significant and often challenging needs and behaviours. I believe that they work with the young people to build their understanding of the young person and that they are proactive in deepening their understanding of often changing needs.”
Local Authority Feedback
Social Worker says:
“The level of therapeutic input is strong. There has been significant duration of no self-harming incidents or hospitalisations. It is very important to understand the child’s history here and level of complexity – as her life has been one of continuous instability and on-going self-harming and suicidal ideation – that has led to her being admitted to a number of psychiatric units. To achieve this shows significant progress.”
Local Authority Feedback
Social Worker says:
“I have found the team to be very co-operative and engaging, targets and goals are routinely set which allows for the network to measure performance and outcomes.
[Our young person] is so happy and feels like she is making progress, this is significant and emphasises the value of your service and provision.”
Local Authority Feedback
Feedback from Social Workers who have been supported by our team.
“(The local authority) placed a young person with very complex needs who has stepped down from Tier 4 and therefore required a therapeutic environment to meet her needs.”
Danielle, Young person
“Thank you so much for EVERYTHING. There has been many times where I have wanted to give up but you keep me here. I am so grateful for all those times.”
John
“I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you for looking after me and making my life just a little brighter. I really enjoyed the fun times we had and it genuinely had a positive impact on how I was feeling and coping back then. I think you’ll be pleased to know that my life turned out pretty okay.”
Young Person Letter
“Thank you so much for everything. There has been many times where I have wanted to give up but you kept me here.”
“I really am grateful for it all, you have created memories that I will NEVER forget. I love you all so much. Thank you.”
Young Person Feedback
“I met the people who changed my life here and changed my view of myself and the world.”
Alie
A Letter from One Young Person to Another
“Welcome to Oakfield my name is Alie and I live at one of the other homes with my cat Tallulah. I just wanted to write to you to tell you my experience whilst being here and hopefully answer a few questions or talk through what it is like working towards independent living.”
Parent
“Thank you for keeping my daughter safe, happy and healthy.”
“My child is in the perfect place for her.”
Parent
“Exceptional, emotional and extraordinary.”
Parent
“He has starting to do the normal things that normal kids do. A year ago, that wouldn’t have been possible.”
“The main thing is… it’s always been about them. Not about ‘We are Oakfield and this is what we do,’ but ‘This is John and how can we progress John.’”
Parent
“We really do believe that our (Young Person) is in the best possible hands at Oakfield. We think that a long term placement here is in their best interests.”
Parent
“All staff members have always been friendly to us, and welcoming whenever we have visited our (young person). Updates as to their progress are religiously provided and a telephone conversation usually follows with a member of staff. All of this serves to build up trust and respect between the two parties.”
Parent
“Thank you for everything you all do for my child, she is happy, mobility is better than its been in years, she is healthy as can be and longest she’s stayed out of hospital, she’s got lovely relationships with all her carers”
Parent
“I’m extremely impressed with Oakfield’s professionalism and attention to detail, the approach is child centred and all risk assessments and intervention plans are focused on promoting the developmental needs of the young person.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Matron said:
“Families and young people consistently report positive experiences, with many noting meaningful progress after sessions. The service is recognised as more streamlined and efficient than ever, with excellent collaboration, reliable referral pathways, and monthly meetings that strengthen shared understanding and patient care.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback:
“Appointments with Oakfield are easy to access and always at convenient times.”
“My child feels listened to, understood, and comfortable sharing personal worries with the Oakfield team.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback:
“Oakfield staff have built a great rapport with my daughter. She completely trusts them and is able to open up more than she has with others previously.”
“I’ve noticed positive changes in my child’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour since starting support with Oakfield.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Parent feedback
“I am a parent to a 7-year-old child who attends Oakfield Psychology Services.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback:
“Oakfield staff are extremely professional. They always listen and explain everything clearly. My child really enjoys their sessions.”
“Oakfield staff are very friendly and supportive. My son looks forward to his sessions and is happy to see them each week.”
NHS Feedback
Community nurse said:
“The care is excellent. Staff understand complex needs of the person, the communication is excellent. The child appears really happy and well cared for.”
NHS Feedback
Lead Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse said:
“The system works well, and we are informed of outcomes. At the monthly meetings the information is reciprocal and helpful.
The involvement of the MDT means that we are all aware of how to support the CYP and family moving forward. Also highlights those who are not engaging and allows us to follow them up and either for them to engage or be discharged.
The service provided is the best it has ever been. The changes made after listening to what the staff here needed has really helped us.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Matron said:
“Oakfield has been praised by NHS colleagues for its professionalism, clear communication, and strong integration within the multidisciplinary team. Staff are described as responsive, supportive, and effective in improving both patient outcomes and emotional wellbeing.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback
“I would highly recommend this service. Oakfield Psychology team have been a big help to my daughter, she understands her and its nice to see she can get on with someone and build a good bond also is making very good progress with her. Oakfield have a good understanding of my daughter and have built a good relationship with her and understand her very well.”
“Charlotte’s sooooo happy after speaking to you. Couldn’t praise you enough, thank you.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback:
“We see Oakfield staff frequently, and I honestly have nothing but praise for their exceptional care and expertise.”
NHS Feedback
NHS Patient Parent feedback
“Oakfield Psychology team have built a great rapport with my daughter. She completely trusts them and is able to open up, more than she has with anyone else before.”
“Oakfield psychology team are extremely professional. They always know what to do when my son tells them things, even if very emotionally difficult and explains things very clearly. My son really enjoys the sessions”
NHS Feedback
“Impressed with teamwork and empathy.”
“Very knowledgeable about the patient’s condition and treatment.”
“Excellent teamwork / excellent support / excellent communication.”
CQC Inspectors & Commissioners
CQC Inspector says:
“There is evidence of a clear vision by leaders to provide a therapeutic environment which is person centred, open, inclusive and empowering for the young people which gives positive outcomes. This can be seen by the progress they have made in managing their emotional dysregulation and subsequently attending education where previous placements have failed.”
CQC Inspectors & Commissioners
CQC Inspector says:
“There was a thorough process for accurately and comprehensively reporting incidents, including those resulting in restraint or self-harm. Reports were detailed and young person centred and demonstrated how the least restrictive method of intervention was used with therapeutic de-escalation techniques attempted first in accordance with positive behaviour support plans.”
CQC Inspectors & Commissioners
Quality Assurance Commissioner says:
“There has there been noticeable outcomes achieved with our young person since being with Oakfield, namely around self-esteem and resilience.”
CQC Inspectors & Commissioners
CQC Inspector says:
“Staff were exceptionally well supported to do the right thing by clear guidance and training. In addition to a range of formal policies, there were systems and processes in place.”
CQC Inspectors & Commissioners
CQC Inspector says:
“Assessments and care plans completed by staff were comprehensive, holistic and dynamic. We saw in our review of records, how they were completed, developed and updated collaboratively with young people, families, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency professionals.”
Commissioner Feedback
Commissioner says:
“(Young Person) has significant complex needs and has had significant incidents of trauma in her life. However, now (Young person) is in a safe environment and is spoken of with kindness and respect.”
Commissioner Feedback
School Teacher said:
“The staff are really helpful. The care is amazing.”
Commissioner Feedback
Commissioner says:
“Oakfield is the first placement to work to end this crisis cycle and face/manage the complexity.”
Commissioner Feedback
Commissioner says:
“As a panel we wanted to say that we were impressed with your collaborative approach, openness and your knowledge of (Young Person) and her needs.”
Regulation 44
Regulation 44 visitors said:
“Dad said the staff are ‘lovely’… and ‘brilliant’ at communicating with him.”
“You can see she is really progressing here.”
Regulation 44
Regulation 44 visitors said:
“There is an environment where the young person is comfortable to express their own feelings.”
“I have no doubt they are able to share their views, wishes and feelings.”
Regulation 44
Regulation 44 visitors said:
“The person is at the centre of their own care.”
“The staff on duty today and the Manager certainly knows her well. The young person does have a good relationship with all staff.”
NHS Clinical Commissioning Group
“We wanted to say that we have been impressed with your collaborative approach, openness and your knowledge of the person and their complex needs.
“Oakfield is a safe environment and our person is always spoken of with kindness and respect.”