Eden House Awarded Prestigious Royal College of Psychiatrists Enabling Environment Accreditation
Creating a community of belonging and safety for women under probation supervision
Interventions Alliance is proud to announce that Eden House, our Independent Approved Premises for women in Bristol, has received the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Enabling Environment accreditation. This recognises Eden House’s commitment to creating a positive, respectful, and empowering community where healthy relationships and personal development are central to rehabilitation.
The Enabling Environment award is a rigorous and values-based standard. It is awarded to places that foster psychological and social wellbeing.
A Place to Heal and Rebuild
Eden House is a trauma-informed home for up to 26 women under probation supervision. It provides specialist, trauma-informed support to reduce reoffending, manage risk and promote reintegration. Residents engage in structured activities and therapies that build their self-esteem, support reconnection with family, and lay the foundation for secure housing, employment, and independence.
Exemplary standards
Assessors from the Royal College of Psychiatrists Enabling Environment team highlighted exemplary standards across multiple areas.
- Belonging – new residents are welcomed with a buddy system and a strong induction. The team fosters a community where every woman feels seen and heard.
- Involvement – women take active roles in community life, creating a sense of purpose and responsibility.
- Leadership and Openness – the management team was praised for its experience and approachability. The strength of partnerships with key agencies including HM Prison Eastwood Park, local police and community health providers was also praised.
- Communication and Empowerment – residents help to shape their environment. From influencing the menu to contributing to a “You Said, We Did” board, there are a range of initiatives to strengthen the service.
The accreditation recognised Eden House’s innovative peer-led practices, such as a former resident returning weekly to take minutes at residents’ meetings, helping maintain continuity and trust.
Interventions Alliance’s Executive Director for Operations, Ellie MacCarter, said:
This accreditation is hugely significant because the challenges of running a centre like Eden House should not be underestimated. The women we support have often experienced multiple layers of trauma. They are vulnerable and at times present risks to themselves and others. It isn’t always easy to recruit and retain colleagues to work in this kind of environment, but we are doing everything we can to support our colleagues and strengthen continuity and resilience.
This recognition is a testament to every single colleague at Eden, doing brilliant work every day to support the women in our care and by extension, help make communities across the regions we serve safer and stronger.