Cygnet: Improving Outcomes by Rethinking Physical Interventions
Cygnet strengthened its trauma-informed approach for young people by integrating multiple CPI training solutions, helping reduce restrictive interventions and retraumatisation risk, while supporting a safer, more consistent therapeutic environment.
Impact of CPI Training
- Significant reduction in use of restraint: A young person went from six restraints per day to zero restraints.
- Improved staff confidence and daily practice: Coaching, feedback and refresher-style workshops support safer decision-making every day.
- Trauma-informed, least restrictive care: Physical interventions are used only as a last resort, with a strong emphasis on more creative and compassionate strategies.
Situation
Cygnet Group provides a wide range of health and social care services across the UK, supporting young people and adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders and autism. At Cygnet Sheffield, inpatient care is provided for young people aged 12–18 across three CAMHS service lines: General Adolescent, Psychiatric Intensive Care and Low Secure Services. Each unit supports individuals experiencing crisis or significant risk, most often detained under the Mental Health Act. The focus across services is on reducing harm, promoting recovery and meeting complex behavioural and emotional needs with dignity.
The nature of inpatient care means staff regularly support young people displaying high-risk behaviours, ranging from verbal aggression to physical assaults such as biting, headbutting or attempted self-harm. Traditional restraint methods, though sometimes necessary, can unintentionally trigger trauma responses, particularly for those with a history of abuse.
Ali Curtis, CAMHS Nursing Lead at Cygnet Sheffield and long-standing CPI Safety Intervention™ instructor, brings both clinical and strategic expertise to Cygnet’s approach. The organisation’s focus remains firmly on trauma-informed care, where restrictive interventions are a last resort and staff are equipped with the skills and confidence to respond safely and compassionately.
Implementation
Cygnet has worked with CPI for over a decade, embedding multiple levels of CPI training across its CAMHS service lines. Training is guided by an annual comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and is a prerequisite for working on the wards.
Staff receive role-specific training through a range of CPI programmes, including:
- Safety Intervention™ Training: Delivered to all nursing and support staff during induction and refreshed annually, forming the core of Cygnet’s training needs analysis (TNA). Multidisciplinary team (MDT) members also receive tailored versions, while non-direct care staff complete disengagement-only training.
- Clinical Holding™ Training: Used selectively for procedures such as taking bloods or feeding via nasogastric tube, with only relevant clinical staff trained.
- Safety Pod™ Training: Introduced as a pilot following research and a specific case need, now being rolled out across CAMHS wards after clear clinical success.
What sets Cygnet’s approach apart is its continuous reinforcement. Training is not a one-off event but embedded into everyday operations through:
- Ad-hoc workshops in response to complex admissions
- Scenario-based drills (e.g. safety intervention exercises simulating real incidents like a staged hostage situation or AWOL response)
- In-ward presence of CPI instructors, offering simultaneous coaching and guidance
This practical reinforcement allows staff to stay confident and skilled year-round, not just during formal refreshers and contributes to a strong culture of reflective and responsive care.
Outcomes
One case clearly demonstrated the value of the Safety Pod™ and the Safety Pod™ Training. A young person with a history of sexual abuse regularly experienced flashbacks and prolonged distress when placed in supine holds.
“She was having six restraints a day. Once we introduced the Safety Pod™ and used our training, she never entered that flashback state. She’s now not been restrained at all this year, so that is none over four months,” said Alicia. “It’s been life-changing, not just for her but for our staff.”
This outcome became a catalyst for wider change, building the case for rolling out Safety Pods across all CAMHS wards.
Staff have also benefited significantly in terms of:
- Greater confidence and alignment in approaches
- Improved clarity in debriefs and care planning
- Cohesive use of language and techniques consistent with CPI training
“The care plans all use the same language as our Safety Intervention™ training,” Alicia notes, “Everything speaks the same. Staff know exactly what’s expected.”
Future Perspectives
Cygnet’s partnership with CPI is ongoing and continues to evolve. With strong alignment in values, particularly around trauma-informed care, adaptability and a focus on verbal de-escalation, Cygnet works with CPI not just as a training provider, but as a trusted long-term ally.
This collaborative approach ensures that training stays responsive to the demands of service users and staff. Cygnet’s safety strategy is proactive, supported by CPI through:
- Tailored guidance
- Clinical workshops
- Continuous updates as service needs evolve
Expansion is also underway. A rollout plan is in motion to equip each CAMHS ward with its own Safety Pod™. Additionally, Cygnet has recently trained a number of Essential Care and Support™ Certified Instructors (CIs), further strengthening internal expertise and reach.
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