"The unheard voices of Arisaig": the impact of the closure of Arisaig therapeutic community on community members

Abstract

This study looked at the impact of the closure of a therapeutic community on its members. The research used semi-structured interviews of 9 ex-residents and 6 staff and a social work student. Each interview was presented as the staff or resident's account of the closure. The interviews were analysed according to prevalent themes that emerged. Themes indicated that both residents and staff felt the experience of the closure was disempowering and highly distressing. In the perceptions of some residents the closure may have lead to some deterioration in their mental health. Both groups indicated that they considered that the closure would have been less traumatic if it had been phased in stages and with ongoing consultation between all effective parties. The fact the organisation was not held accountable for the closure seemed to contradict its stated philosophy. Changing health policies contributed to the motivation to close Arisaig House. The closure highlighted the lack of accountability for the outcomes of these policies and in particular questioned whether the recent reforms do benefit the consumers and acknowledge their point of view.