Dumbarton House
79 Somerton Road,
Belfast.

Dumbarton House provides accommodation for up to 13 people, both male and female , between the ages of 40 and 65. They either have had experience of hospital care treatment or are know to the statutory agencies.

The staff and residents live together in a warm and welcoming community with a clear sense of order. There are always staff on duty with one member of staff sleeping in at night.

Personal Development
A care plan is agreed through discussion with potential residents, key professionals and Threshold staff. This includes the maintenance of minimum standards of self care and social skills.

Daily Chores
Everyone is expected to take part in the running of the home. A domestic is employed part time to carry out the heavier cleaning duties. Light cleaning, cooking and shopping are shared on a rota basis by staff and residents together.

The Daily Meeting
Here the practical work of the group is reviewed daily with discussion on individual and team functioning.

Therapeutic Community Meetings
People in groups are affected by and contribute to the dynamic influences on each member and the exploration of these is a cornerstone of the therapeutic community where residents and staff reflect on and explore these processes.

Individual Counselling
This is offered by the key worker, allowing clarification and review of personal goals, reappraisal of home and other experiences and a safe environment in which to explore alternatives.

After Care
It is recognised that some people will leave the project needing continuing support - emotional and material - for a period. Threshold is committed to providing it as long as is necessary.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
In order that Threshold has relevant information about residents, everyone being considered for a place in the house is asked to complete an application for admission form, with the person who is referring them. this might be the social worker, the Doctor or the Community Psychiatric Nurse. A panel of professionals together with Threshold staff will consider the application. A formal agreement known as a Licence to Occupy is drawn up Threshold and all new residents.