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Introduction
The Brent Centre for Young People (Brent Adolescent Centre) was set up in
1967 under the name of Brent Consultation Centre by Dr Moses Laufer, a
pioneer in the field of adolescent psychoanalysis. Dr Laufer envisaged the
creation of an institution, which would treat vulnerable and disadvantaged
young people and research into the causes of breakdown. In 1976, the Centre
for Research into Adolescent Breakdown was registered as a charity dedicated
to investigating the factors contributing to breakdown in adolescence,
providing treatment for young people who had broken down and disseminating
knowledge of adolescence to others working with this group.
The Walk In Mental Health Service has been set up to offer free consultation,
assessment and treatment to young people aged 14-21 who could self refer and
be seen at short notice, without having to go onto a waiting list. One of our
main commitments has been to reach and offer a therapeutic space to those
young people who for some reason would not approach any statutory service.
Over 33 years, Brent Adolescent Centre has gained considerable expertise in
the field of adolescent breakdown and suicide. We intend to start new
projects within our Metal Health Service - the Suicidal Adolescents and the
Self-Harm Projects - that will offer psychotherapy to suicidal adolescents
and to those who self-harm over a period of three years. We are currently
seeking funding for these projects as well as for our adolescent
psychotherapy programme.
In 1999 plans were drawn up to develop the Centre into a provider of
comprehensive services for young people. This decision was taken following
recommendations of the Brent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
(CAMHS) Strategy Group and has been supported by the Brent & Harrow
Health Authority. In time the Centre will offer an Information and Advisory
Service and a Careers and Education Service as well as extending the Mental
Health Service. The Drugs & Alcohol Services in partnership with
Addaction Brent and the Junction Project are already in place. The Sexual
Health Service is due to start shortly.
We receive funding from Brent & Harrow Health Authority for the Mental
Health and Drugs & Alcohol Services and for the setting up of the Sexual
Health Service. We also receive funding from Quality Protects (Brent Social
Services) for our Social Worker post. Although the Health Authority provides
an important funding contribution towards our Mental Health Service, we will
still need additional funding to meet the full costs.
In June 2000 we recruited a research psychologist and in the last few months
a clinical psychologist and a social worker. We also have established
partnership agreements with LifeTime Careers and Alone in London for the
provision of Careers and Housing advice services respectively. We will be
recruiting shortly a medical practitioner, a nurse and a counsellor for our
Sexual Health Service. The centre has also applied for funding to support a
partnership with the Brent Citizens Advice Bureau.
We have just finished the conversion of the basement of Johnston House to
accommodate some of the planned services. Brent & Harrow Health Authority
has provided a substantial grant towards the basement conversion and
installation of a wheelchair lift. We are now actively fundraising for the
much-needed funds to renovate the exterior and the second floor of Johnston
House.
This Website describes existing services and those in process of development
at Brent Adolescent Centre.
Dr. Maxim
J.A. de Sauma
Clinical Director & Chief Executive Officer
September 2001
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