Fairhaven Project

Fairhaven was a hostel for 'educationally sub-normal' boys aged 16-19 in Blackheath, London. In 1974, MIND (formerly the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH)) reviewed its policies on residential care and in 1975 implemented a pilot project at Fairhaven, due to last 5 years, to promote non-institutional living and reverse the process of institutionalisation on young, vulnerable adults. Throughout the project, MIND aimed to promote the focus on the development of a new organisational model as much as on the individual and their progress. It was through this focus, and the 'action research' stance of the project, that the Tavistock Institute came to be involved at Fairhaven. Elliot Stern was the primary member of TIHR involved in the Fairhaven project, and worked with staff and residents alike to re-model the organisation of the hostel, including the physical layout of the building, resident participation and responsibility, and staff organisation and responsibilities. In 1979, due to funding issues, MIND terminated the project two years early.

1972-1980

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