VIDEO case study: Supporting recovery and independence at Brookfield

Brookfield community group

Brookfield is a supported living service offering 15 self-contained flats for people with a diagnosis of mental health who are transitioning from mental health hospital settings. Residents are supported through a 12-week recovery pathway, designed to help them stabilise, build confidence, and prepare for independent life in the community.

Brookfield focuses on enablement rather than dependency. The team works alongside residents to help them develop the skills, tools and self-awareness needed to manage their own mental health, reduce reliance on staff and services, and take greater control over their recovery. The ultimate goal is independence - supporting individuals to function confidently within the wider community and move on to their own accommodation when ready.

How Brain in Hand helped

Brain in Hand was introduced alongside Brookfield’s 12-week programme and quickly became a natural fit with the service’s ethos. Staff found that the app complemented their existing support by giving residents practical, personalised tools they could rely on independently.

Residents used Brain in Hand to manage anxiety, prepare for challenging situations, and respond to moments of anxiety and overwhelm using their own plans and strategies before needing external support. Many used the app while out in public, helping them feel safer and more confident navigating everyday situations. Residents who were already using Brain in Hand supported others to understand and use the app, reinforcing independence and shared responsibility. This peer encouragement helped embed Brain in Hand into daily life and made it feel accessible and relevant.

The results

Individuals at Brookfield achieved levels of independence that the team initially didn’t think would be possible. The app helped ease the transition from Brookfield into independent living, giving residents continued support as they moved into their own homes.

Brain in Hand reinforced their existing enablement model - supporting people to take control of their own recovery rather than relying on emergency services or becoming unwell. Residents were able to manage challenges using their plans in the app, reducing escalation and supporting long-term stability.

Many residents have successfully moved on from Brookfield, better equipped to manage their mental health, build a future for themselves, and live more independently within the community.