The Care Inspectorate has recognised excellence across all areas of Birchwood Highland's mental health services

Mental health charity Birchwood Highland has received the highest possible marks in its latest Care Inspectorate assessment.

Birchwood Highland, established in the Highlands over 25 years ago, was rated a six, the highest mark, for its quality of care, support, staffing, management and leadership, as well as the quality of the environment at its Recovery Centre in Inverness.

The Care Inspectorate exists to regulate and inspect care services to ensure they are meeting the right standards. Birchwood Highland’s inspection focussed on the housing support it provides, its care at home services as well as the services provided through its Inverness centre.

Housing support offered by the charity is aimed at those who may require help managing their tenancies. Care at home services cover personal care, help at home, pop-in visits and re-enablement home-from-hospital assistance.

Described the by the Care Inspectorate as a centre of excellence, the Recovery Centre offers those living with mental ill health short-term care in a residential environment as well as longer-term care and support with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery.

At Birchwood Highland our whole team works very hard to provide vital services... with the ethos of our core values at heart, promoting independence, inclusion and recovery. - Emily Stokes

Emily Stokes, chief executive of Birchwood Highland, said: “We are delighted to have achieved grade sixes across the board for the services we provide.

“At Birchwood Highland our whole team works very hard to provide vital services to people living with mental ill health across the Highlands, always with the ethos of our core values at heart, promoting independence, inclusion and recovery.

“To have achieved this recognition is fantastic news for the staff, and for our service users.”

In its report, Care Inspectorate representatives noted Birchwood Highland embraced person-centred care, supporting individuals to take the lead in their mental health recovery. It was highlighted that the manager and staff are confident practitioners who champion high-quality outcomes for those in their care. Inspectors also interviewed service users who spoke positively of Birchwood Highland and highlighted how the charity improves their lives.

Birchwood Highland provides housing support and care at home services to people living in Inverness, Lochaber and Easter Ross.