Navigo’s Sequoia Therapeutic Community (TC) - a day psychotherapy programme for people with complex emotional needs – is proud to announce that it has once again achieved full accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych).
The accreditation recognises ongoing commitment to delivering high‑quality, therapeutic care. It marks another successful milestone for the service, reflecting the dedication of both staff and members in upholding the values and standards of a Therapeutic Community (TC).
This will be the third time that the service has successfully managed to maintain this accreditation — further evidence of the high-quality, consistency of care that we deliver.
Accreditation is awarded to services that demonstrate excellence in collaborative, psychologically-informed care. This includes ensuring that Sequoia members (service users) are fully involved in decisions about their treatment and the running of the community. Core standards assess how well the service promotes the fundamental principles of Therapeutic Community practice — attachment, shared responsibility, mutual respect and interdependence.
These standards extend across every part of the service:
- Recruitment, where Sequoia members participate actively in interviewing and selecting staff.
- Leadership and governance, where senior managers continue to support the unique structure and needs of a TC.
- Clinical and psychodynamic supervision, which enables staff to understand the emotional and relational dynamics that shape life both within and outside the community.
Tara Foulkes, Clinical Lead of Sequoia Therapeutic Community, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive our accreditation again for the next three years.
“The team worked incredibly hard and supported one another throughout the process. This achievement is a true reflection of the care underpinning our Therapeutic Community and of how the core value of interdependence comes to life in practice.”
“Our work with people with complex emotional needs is grounded in helping them understand, without blame, how their difficulties developed — and how change becomes possible through therapy, curiosity and community. Members learn to reflect, relate and rebuild, and we see meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.”
Sequoia provides a structured programme that runs three days a week working as a Therapeutic Community, which means people support and learn from each other in a safe, group‑based setting.
The main approach is Mentalisation Based Treatment (MBT), which helps people understand their own thoughts and feelings as well as those of others. It also teaches practical skills from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help manage emotions and cope with difficult situations.
The focus is on how relationships and early experiences shape the way people see themselves and others, and how understanding this can help them make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
One Sequoia member who has completed the programme shared: “I don't say this lightly, but the TC, the staff and the community saved my life. It gave me a chance to be happy — to live my life without the chaos of mood swings and anger. They showed me I'm worthy of happiness. I'll always be grateful to the staff for saving my life, guiding me on my worst days.”
The accreditation process included a site visit from the RCPsych accreditation team, who met with members and staff, reviewed policies and documentation, and ensured the service continues to place the voice of service users at its heart. Their findings highlighted Sequoia’s strong commitment to delivering safe and transformative care.
We are proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone — staff, members and partners — who contributed to the hard work and dedication that made it possible.
The Sequoia Therapeutic Community now sits within Navigo's Complex Emotional Needs Team which is a demonstration of ongoing commitment in supporting people with complex emotional needs.
Sequoia is an intensive specialist programme, so you need to be using our acute or community mental health services to access it.
If you think you would benefit from the Sequoia programme, ask your care coordinator for more information.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and your GP is based in North East Lincolnshire you can call the 24/7 Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3.
If your GP is based outside North East Lincolnshire, call 111.
If you’d rather text than talk on the phone, you can text ORANGE to 85258 to contact a trained volunteer from Shout. They’ll be able to help you reach a place of calm and, if necessary, signpost you to local services. This is a free, 24/7 service.