What is an Enabling Environment?

• ­       A place where positive relationships promote well-being for all participants

•        A place where people experience a sense of belonging

• ­       A place where all people involved contribute to the growth and well-being of others

• ­       A place where people can learn new ways of relating

• ­       A place that recognises and respects the contributions of both parties in a helping relationship

• ­       A place that recognises that carers also need to be cared for

Where are Enabling Environments found?

Any place where people live, work or come together for a specific purpose including:

• ­        Day units

• ­        Wards

• ­        Hostels

• ­        Supported accommodation

• ­        Schools

• ­        Places of faith

What is the Enabling Environment Award?

• ­       A mark of quality that shows a service has met critical standards for being an Enabling Environment

• ­       An indication of the positive impact a service makes on people's well-being 

• ­       A demonstration of the value of a service over and above National Minimum Standards

• ­       A way for people to make choices about which services they use 

• ­       An award which is recognisable in a variety of situations, and across sectors

• ­       A tool for improving working and living environments

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Have a look at the Enabling Environment Standards.

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If you would like to register your interest in participating in Enabling Environments, please email:

rbarrett@cru.rcpsych.ac.uk or complete an expression of interest form and fax it to 020 7481 4831.