1. Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE)
Sim Mandair – Solace
Donna Covey - AVA

2. What is a PIE?
A Psychologically Informed Environment or PIE is a place or a service in which the overall approach and day to day running have been consciously designed to take into account the psychological and emotional needs of the service user*. The concept of PIE was developed by Robin Johnson and Rex Haigh in 2010. *

3. What is a PIE?
In their original paper, Johnson and Haigh suggested that “the definitive marker of a PIE is simply that, if asked why the unit is run in such and such a way, the staff would give an answer couched in terms of the emotional and psychological needs of the service users, rather than giving some more logistical or practical rationale, such as convenience, costs, or Health And Safety regulations”

4. 5 Key Areas When Developing PIE’s
Developing therapeutic frameworks
The physical environment
Staff training and support
Managing relationships
Evaluation of outcomes

5. Why Introduce PIE to VAWG Services
Domestic abuse is the most common cause of depression amongst women – 4X the rate amongst non abused women
60-70% of women using mental health services have a life time experience of domestic abuse
64% of survivors experience PTSD- over 2X post combat rate for troops

6. Solace – PIE Project Aim of the project:
Address concerns about access to refuges for women and children with mental health support needs.
Provision of more holistic practice in refuges
Staff training
Meaningful Service User involvement
Women successfully sustain refuge placements through to move on.
Improved outcomes for women and children with mental health support needs - Provision of play and art therapy
Embed reflective practice processes

7. The Story So Far AVA carried out review of policies
Proposals taken to users forum -Changes made to policy and procedures
Training provided to all staff on effects of trauma on mental health, counselling skills, and problematic substance use
100% of staff who attended the training gave positive feedback on all sessions and highlighted the positive changes in practice that would be implemented as a direct result.

8. The Story So Far Clinical supervision and reflective practice
Physical changes in refuges being implemented across the sites
36 referrals have been made to the play therapy – 22 children have completed therapy to date
Partnership work with local mental health and substance misuse services

9. Access to Refuges Coordinator (PIE)
Contact Details
Donna Covey Director AVA- Against Violence and Abuse
Sim Mandair
Access to Refuges Coordinator (PIE)
Solace Women's Aid