+ How will the coronavirus impact the residential home?

The safety and wellbeing of our residents is paramount. Mercy UK has proactively followed advice from Public Health England and have introduced robust procedures and risk assessments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and residents in respect of infectious disease management. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we adapted the delivery of the Mercy programme and thanks to funding, we now continue to deliver an on-line programme alongside our onsite programme and new applications continue to be considered.

+ Can I apply for the programme before I am 18 years old?

Yes! If you are under 18 years old and need support, our Support Services team will work with you to establish a local support network within your church and other local services. Our hope is that perhaps due to this extended time of coordinated support, you may find no need to come to the residential programme, or if you do, you will be well prepared and have a well-developed support network already set up for when you are within the age criteria to enter the home. Because applicants must be 18 years old to enter the home, realistically you may begin applying earlier or may benefit from the online programme.

+ If I am over 30 years old does that mean I am no longer eligible to enter the home?

The residential programme is specifically designed to benefit adult women aged 18 to around 30 years old. Applicants who are in their early - mid 30’s may still be eligible to enter the home but this will be on a case by case basis and we recommend that you speak directly with a member of our Admissions team.

+ Does Mercy UK offer detox facilities?

No, we don’t. The reason for this is that we are not a medical facility and although our staff all receive first aid training, we don’t have medically trained staff on site. We can however, offer you referral information for detox programmes.

+ Is there a minimum or maximum BMI for entering the Mercy UK Programme?

Yes, there is. We have a minimum BMI requirement of 17 and a maximum BMI of 42 for entry to the residential programme. This is because at either below or above this BMI range, there is an increased risk to physical health and the likelihood of being able to engage fully in all aspects of the programme is greatly reduced. If your BMI is outside of this range at the time of application, we may be able to consider you for our onlie programme and are happy to work in partnership with you, your local healthcare provider and your local church to support you in safely moving towards a healthier BMI before being considered for the onsite programme. Should your BMI fall outside of this range whilst in the home, we will discuss whether the online programme is suitable for your needs and a referral to medical or an eating-disorder service will be made to ensure your wellbeing.

+ Is the onsite programme suitable for me if I am pregnant?

Yes- we are able to consider applications up to the end of your first trimester of pregnancy (12 weeks) but not after that stage. This is because the programme is designed to be delivered over 6 months and as we do not have facilities for mothers and babies, you would need sufficient time to complete the programme prior to baby’s arrival. We are also able to consider the suitablility of the online programme for you throughout your pregnancy.

+ Is the onsite programme suitable for me if I am married or in a relationship?

Yes, we have had quite a number of married residents successfully complete the programme. You just need to remember that the programme is a 6-month commitment, though we will help to facilitate regular communication between you and your partner during this time. Contact can be made regularly via video-calling platforms, as well as regular post, emails, phone-calls and visits home throughout the 6-month period.

+ Does Mercy UK practice Reparative (also known as Conversion) therapy?

At Mercy UK, we do not practice reparative or conversion therapy. Mercy UK believes that everyone has the right to live free of fear and harm and takes a strong stand against coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual context.

As a Christian charity we are transparent about our Christian approach which includes offering prayer, collective worship times and delivering bible-based teaching. In all this, we respect and empower individuals in their right to question, explore and encounter freedom in accordance with their own Christian beliefs and regardless of gender, sex or sexual orientation.

As the residential programme is designed with the female psyche in mind, the living arrangements are appropriate for individuals who identify with the female gender and are biologically of the female sex.

+ Can I maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet whilst in the home?

The meals provided by Mercy UK are of a high standard, nutritionally balanced and our fresh food has been locally sourced. Where residents have a medically diagnosed food allergy or intolerance, alternatives will be offered and we endeavour to provide nutritious vegetarian meals and meal alternatives where possible, although this cannot be guaranteed everyday. Unfortunately, we cannot cater for vegan dietary preferences.

+ Is the programme suitable for mothers with children?

Sadly we are unable to offer facilities on site for mothers and their children, so we would work together with you during your application process to ensure that suitable arrangements were made for the care of your child/children throughout the duration of the programme. We will help to facilitate regular communication between you and your child/children during your time on the programme with daily contact via Skype, as well as regular post, phone-calls and visits home throughout the 6-month period.

An online version of the programme is available and we encourage applicants with children to get in touch.

+ Do I need to be a Christian to apply to the programme?

No, it’s not essential to have a Christian faith to apply for our residential programme- we welcome applications from young women struggling with life controlling issues regardless of their personal faith or religious background. However, we are transparent about the fact that we offer a Christ-centred, bible-based discipleship curriculum and aspects of the programme include bible study, worship, Christian teachings, prayer and regular church attendance. You’d have to be willing to join in on all aspects of the programme but we will talk you through what those are before you come.

+ Do I need to be attending a church to apply to the programme?

Whilst we don’t require that you attend church in order to apply to the programme, we know that your long-term success and aftercare really does depend on having a solid support network in place within a local church or fellowship setting. We exist to demonstrate God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and life transforming power to young women as well as equipping the local church through partnership with them. If you are not already attending a local church when you apply, we would discuss this with you during your application process and offer to connect you with a local church or fellowship to come alongside you in your journey.

+ Are there any medical / mental health conditions that would be considered unsuitable for this programme?

We consider each application on an individual basis and throughout the application process we gather information from you, from any medical professionals involved and from any other existing support. Gathering this information will allow us to build a complete picture and make an informed decision as to whether the environment we offer here at Mercy UK would be suitable to meet your needs.

+ What can I expect from the curriculum of the Mercy UK programme?

Our theological approach is best described as liberational, that is, we believe in the authority and the power of Jesus and the Word of God in seeing people live free and stay free. We encourage participants to challenge, explore and develop theological viewpoints within the context of their own relationship with God and will provide opportunities to examine a range of Christian theologies as part of the programme.

Our discipleship curriculum has been designed to bring freedom by addressing the roots of life-controlling behaviours and mind-sets. The curriculum will be delivered through weekly one:one sessions, biblical study, regular class teaching, assigned resources, workshops and group-work. There are seven modules within the curriculum:

1. Committing & Connecting Fully to Christ. In this first essential element of the curriculum, you will explore the idea of a full salvation experience. You will have the opportunity to make a first-time commitment or re-commitment to Christ, if you choose to, and develop confidence in recognising God’s voice for yourself.
2. Choosing to Forgive. All of us have experienced hurt in some way and often this has been a result of the choices of others. In this section of the curriculum, you will learn that forgiveness is not an emotion but a choice that we can work through. The tools you’ll be given in this section will equip and empower you to release forgiveness as a way of life.
3. Renewing the Mind. The belief systems we hold are formed through our experiences. Through ‘Renewing the Mind’, you will learn that there is a higher level of truth which is what God says about us through His Word and in the personal ways He ministers to us. With the support of your counsellor, you will begin to identify unhealthy beliefs and begin to renew the mind within the context of your own relationship with God and His Word.
4. Generational Patterns. Generational patterns are attitudes, actions, beliefs, behaviours, or habits we have learned and taken on as our own through our family or cultural / social background. These patterns can stem from childhood but also from generations before us in our family-lines. Through this module, you will earn to identify both the positive and sometimes, negative patterns as well as receive the Godly promises, beliefs and inheritance as a child of God.
5. Healing Life’s Hurts. Through Healing Life’s Hurts, you will have the opportunity to explore the impact of hurts and traumas in life and, in a safe environment, to verbalise and process this impact, and receive healing through encountering God’s restoration at the very root of your experiences.
6. The Believer’s Authority. This aspect of the curriculum teaches you about the power of the name of Jesus, the significance of the blood of Jesus and the authority of the Word of God. Through these sessions, you will learn how to defend the healing you have received through applying the authority of Jesus, every day.
7. Principles for Life-long Success. This area of the curriculum prepares you to transition into a new chapter of your life and help you navigate any changing relationships or opportunities. Principles for life-long success workshops and classes are also delivered throughout the programme.

+ What does a typical day in the programme look like?

You can see an example week here: Example Timetable

Upon entering the programme each resident will also be assigned a 1hr counselling session per week. Sessions are scheduled throughout the week and the timings of the session will then remain assigned to the residents timetable for their duration of stay.

+ Can I smoke whilst a resident on the Mercy UK Programme?

Mercy UK has a no-smoking policy which includes the use of e-cigarettes. This means that residents are not permitted to smoke or vape whilst on the programme. Support can be offered in partnership with NHS services for applicants who wish to reduce or stop smoking.

+ Will I be able to use my phone/ internet whilst in the programme and am I able to make contact with family and friends?

One of the strengths of this programme is the ability for you to find a space that is free from the distractions, interruptions and demands of every day life. It’s for this reason that your mobile phone will only be available to you on special request and during your visits home.

We encourage residents to maintain regular communication with family, friends and their support network throughout their stay in the programme through other means. Residents are able to receive and send post on a daily basis, have email access mid-week as well as phone-calls to their Accountability Partners, and every weekend you’ll be able to receive and make telephone calls to friends and family. Visits home are also encouraged or alternatively, if your family or friends would like to visit, that is also possible.

+ Is there an option to do the programme part time or come for less than 6 months?

In late 2022, we aim to launch the Freedom Programme, a 16-week online programme for all ages and for both men and women. The programme will offer the same elements of support that the residential programme offers including counselling, fitness and nutrition advice and Christian discipleship and teaching.

The residential programm is a full-time programme, the effectiveness of which is maximised through a 6-month curriculum. You will be given your exit date upon your arrival and we will plan together with you, how we can make the most of the time with us.

If you are a former resident who has already completed the full 6-month curriculum and find yourself in need of the support that the residential home can offer, a shorter stay as a way of offering focussed support into a specific area of healing, may be considered.

+ After I apply, how long will it be until my application is reviewed?

It’s difficult to put a timeframe on how long it takes to complete the application process as it varies a lot from person to person. We aim for the application process to be complete within 90 days, assuming the applicant is timely with returning information. The steps of the application process are explained at the front of the application and our recommendations for speeding this process up would be to stay in regular contact with our Admissions team, returning forms and any feedback as quickly as possible.

+ If I’m accepted onto the programme how long will it be until my entry date?

That’s a difficult one to answer as it depends entirely on how many other applicants are waiting for a bed, how many beds we have available and various other factors including how many residents we currently have with similar issues. On the whole, we like to aim to get applicants into the home within 90 days of their application being completed. Applicants who have completed their application process and are waiting for an entry date may also be invited to engage in the online programme to aid transition into the home.

+ What happens after I have been accepted onto the programme?

Following acceptance onto the programme, applicants go onto what we call our completed applications (CA) list. From that point on, you’ll begin the programme even though you are not yet physically in the home yet. This is a time of preparation so that you can enter the programme from a place of strength and readiness. At this point we will explain the expectations of our partnership with you and the boundaries for your time in the home. We will also encourage you to work with your accountability partner,set goals and begin taking steps forward. We will have regular contact with you, we’ll post you books and audio teachings to read/ listen to and we may also invite you to take part in the online programme and video-calling into various classes. At this stage, we would also invite you to come for a home visit with your accountability partner and/or family/friends.

+ What happens if my application is declined?

The good news is that the residential programme is not the only service that we offer. Whilst we try very hard not to decline applications, sometimes it becomes clear through the application process that this environment is not best suited to your needs. If this is the case, we would clearly explain the reasons for the application being declined and would look at alternative support avenues that may be able to offer more suitable support.

+ Are there mental-health professionals or counsellors on site?

At Mercy UK, all our counsellors are accredited, or working towards accreditation, with a professional body such as the Association of Christian Counsellors or the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Every member of the Mercy UK team, including your counsellor, receive mental health first aid training and uphold Mercy UK’s Statement of Ethical Practice (Available at www.mercyuk.org) and Statement of Faith (Available at www.mercyuk.org, and must meet the requirements of Mercy UK’s Core Competency Statement (Available upon request).

Our counsellors receive regular clinical supervision through a third-party clinical supervisor and are required to undertake continual professional and personal development.

As part of the Mercy reisdential programme, you will be offered a one-hour session, once per week with your counsellor. The counsellor will deliver an integrated approach to their therapeutic work with you, and review regularly with you, whether the process is useful to you.

+ How is my information shared by Mercy UK?

All employees of Mercy UK, including your counsellor, are required to uphold a confidentiality agreement. There are exceptions to confidentiality and should these occur or are suspected, we will discuss this with you, where possible. The exceptions to confidentiality are:

1. Abuse: If you know of a minor (under 18) or vulnerable adult being abused or at risk of harm, you (or Mercy UK) are required by law to report it to the local Child Protection Agency.
2. Risk of Serious Harm: If either you or anyone else is at risk of serious harm or where there is threat to life, Mercy UK is required to report this to the appropriate authorities to ensure appropriate support and care.

At Mercy UK, we recognise appropriate information sharing is as important as protecting confidentiality and we will always seek your expressed permission to share information. In our general communications within the team, we adopt a ‘need-to-know’ approach to information sharing by considering what information is relevant in ensuring our duty of care to you is delivered effectively and ethically.

+ Am I able to take medication whilst in the programme?

Yes, you can. In the first week of your stay, you’ll get to meet with the local GP and will be able to work in partnership with him/her regarding any medical needs you may have. If you would like to reduce or change your medication while in the programme, we ask that this is always done with the professional medical guidance of the GP. There are a small number of controlled substances that we are unable to store on site, however this would be addressed on an individual basis. All medication is self-administered under staff supervision, and medications are stored securely. Whilst our programme staff will have received basic first aid training, they are not medically trained and therefore you would need to request an appointment with our local GP should you have any medical queries or needs.

+ What aftercare support is provided?

Even during the application process we begin to think about setting you up for life long success. We will ask your local church to nominate someone as an Accountability Partner for you. This person will be in contact with you on a regular basis and offer support and encouragement throughout your application, your time in the programme and then also in the transition back into daily life after your completion of the programme.

Our Aftercare Coordinators will begin to meet with you from your 90-day point in the programme, and will speak with you about your hopes and desires for the future. During this time, you will also partake in work experience in our offices to help increase your chances of employment and resettlement after you graduate. Upon your exit from the programme and for up to 12-months after, our Aftercare team will continue to be available to you to offer remote support and to equip and guide your Accountability Partner as they support you.

+ What happens if I change my mind and don’t want to stay?

Your stay at Mercy UK is completely voluntary and should you express a desire to leave, we aim for the exit process to be completed within 24 hours, although this can be extended to ensure a safe and supported transition home.

There are many different reasons why someone may choose to leave the programme and we will always respect this decision. We also understand that at times, the unsteady feelings that come with addressing root issues can cause us to make impulsive decisions. Because we always aim to empower each young woman in her ability and right to choose, we will offer each individual appropriate support in helping her make an informed decision regarding her stay and to also ensure that sufficient plans are in place for her transition home. Referral inforation will also be offerd and the option to transition to our online programme if suitable, may also be discussed with you.