For someone who has spent a long period in hospital, progress might begin with attending an activity, leaving the ward, trying something new or taking on a little more responsibility. Over time, these small steps can become meaningful changes in confidence, independence, physical health and quality of life. At Tiptree ward in Essex, rehabilitation focuses on helping patients identify what matters to them, develop the skills they need and gradually put those skills into practice. Two patients' experiences in this article show what this can look like.

World Mental Health Day. A national charity that supports people with complex mental health needs is today showcasing the experiences and voices of its staff and service users to mark World Mental Health Day 2026.

For many people receiving specialist mental health care, achieving clinical stability is an important milestone. But being well enough to leave hospital does not always mean being ready to manage life beyond it. This is where specialist rehabilitation can play an important role.

A talented poet from a ward in St Andrew’s Healthcare in Birmingham has been recognised in a national competition.

Patients with complex mental health needs will continue to receive care in Northampton, following the transfer of secure specialist services from St Andrew’s Healthcare to Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), which took effect today.

Senior Healthcare Assistant Lisa Wade has been recognised with a Cavell Star Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, leadership and commitment to patient care at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Essex.

For people living with complex mental health needs, recovery is about much more than stabilising symptoms. Many patients reach a point where they are clinically ready to move on from acute or secure services but still lack the confidence, practical skills or resilience needed to live independently in the community.

A Healthcare Assistant whose “compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment” to his work have made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues has won a Cavell Star Award.

Clinical stability is an important milestone in mental health recovery, but it does not always mean someone is ready to live successfully in the community.

Co-production is transforming the way patients engage in meaningful activities across St Andrew's Healthcare, helping people develop confidence, learn new skills and play an active role in shaping their recovery.

A patient at St Andrew's Healthcare in Birmingham has won national recognition for a deeply personal poem she wrote during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

A man who has been at St Andrew’s in Birmingham for four years has spoken about the joy and pride he feels after staff helped transform both his physical and mental health.

Specialist rehabilitation has a vital role to play in supporting people with complex mental health needs as they move on from PICU, acute or secure services.

A 29-year-old man is looking forward to being discharged from 'Good' CQC rated St Andrew’s Healthcare in Essex, so he can be a dad to his baby twins.

St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Essex hospital, which specialises in complex mental healthcare, has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).