The Anchor is a 3-bedded, semi-independent, step-down eating disorders service in Stroud, for males and females aged 18 years and older. This provision is part of Priory’s Transitional Living Services for Young People and Young Adults, offering individuals the best possible care in their recovery journey.

Located in Stroud, The Anchor is ideal for those who are leaving hospital or secure care and require a higher level of support that can’t be provided elsewhere. 

Service overview

• 24/7 psychiatry and nursing on-call cover
• A full therapeutic group programme
• Regular multidisciplinary reviews with full reports
• Bespoke education packages, including access to a hub within South Gloucestershire College and a dedicated education manager
• Therapy such as Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for adults (MANTRA), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills, psychotherapy, art therapy and systemic family therapy
• Occupational therapy is central to our work, supporting patients to build life skills for independence
• Physical monitoring onsite, including blood testing, as well as access to bone dexa and pelvic ultrasound scans

Focus on Safety

Our absolute priority is to make sure we operate safe and effective services 24/7 and that all staff understand what is required of them to make that happen. Click here to read more.

Our approach

Our homes place focus on connection within the community and building skills for independence. This may involve gaining employment, voluntary work, accessing education, learning to drive or perhaps joining local clubs or groups. This all depends on the goals and motivation of the individual. 

The individual will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to design and review bespoke care plans which focus on how to manage the symptoms of their eating disorder and other co-morbid diagnoses, alongside building skills for independence in the community. It is this ‘live’ approach to life skills that makes such a significant difference to a patient’s outcomes.

We firmly believe that our placements are an investment in a person’s future and we can significantly change the narrative for patients, breaking the ‘revolving door’ pattern that they have often slipped into, moving from one hospital admission to another.

Typical positive outcomes see our leavers go on to University or independent living, sometimes settling locally. This is coupled with a reduction in both presentation and risk.