The White House

More than a residence

The White House serves as a step-down residential setting for individuals transitioning from The Oxlip House. Designed to support continued recovery from eating disorders, it offers a calm and structured environment where residents can begin to take greater ownership of their daily routines and care. With a strong focus on promoting independence, The White House provides personalised therapeutic and dietetic support, alongside opportunities to practise life skills in a safe, supportive setting. This stage of rehabilitation helps individuals build confidence, prepare for community reintegration, and take meaningful steps towards sustained recovery beyond 24/7 nursing care.

How we work

An evidence based approach

Our approach combines evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with eating disorders. By tailoring care to each individual’s needs and stage of recovery, The White House offers an environment where progress feels achievable and meaningful, every step of the way. Our care model is grounded in the latest clinical guidelines and informed by ongoing outcome analysis, helping us continuously refine what we do and remain responsive to the evolving needs of our patients. We work closely with families and carers to support sustained recovery and use innovative tools and approaches to enhance engagement, track progress, and improve outcomes.

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How We Help

Our Services

Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey, not a one-size-fits-all process. At Bramacare, we guide our residents through three carefully designed phases of care, Acute Nursing Residential, Step Down, and Transitional Flats, each offering the right balance of clinical support, structure, and independence to meet their evolving needs.

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The Oxlip House

Bramacare’s Acute Nursing Residential Care provides 24/7 intensive support in a homely, therapeutic environment for adults with severe and enduring eating disorders. We welcome patients experiencing acute or serious deterioration in health, including those who require enteral feeding or have recently been discharged from hospital settings. Patients at this stage often need close medical supervision, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychological stabilisation. Our experienced team—including nurses, support workers, dietitians, and therapists—delivers care in line with MEED guidelines, with a strong emphasis on physical safety and emotional containment. Daily observations, structured meal support, and individualised care plans ensure patients receive the high level of monitoring and tailored support required to begin recovery in a safe, person-centred setting. Unlike clinical wards, our environment is calm, non-institutional, and designed to rebuild trust in care through relational support and consistency.

The White House

The Step Down stage at Bramacare is designed for patients who have made progress in stabilising their physical health but continue to require structured therapeutic and medical support to maintain recovery. This phase offers a vital bridge between acute care and full independence. Residents continue to receive regular dietetic input, therapy sessions, and structured daily routines, while being supported to increase their autonomy in decision-making and life skills. We also introduce community integration activities, such as volunteering, education, or employment preparation, tailored to each individual’s goals. To maintain clinical safety, we provide ongoing medical care, physical health checks, and regular nursing observations, ensuring that any signs of relapse or difficulty are picked up early. This holistic approach supports residents to strengthen both their physical resilience and psychological readiness for the next stage of life. On this section; we should have a pictogram like showing step down care

Princes St

The Transitional Flats at Bramacare are located at our Ipswich centre, within a dedicated building that houses six self-contained flats, each thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of individuals transitioning toward independent living. This environment is ideal for residents who have made significant progress in their recovery and are ready to apply their skills in a more autonomous setting—while still benefiting from the safety net of clinical oversight. Each flat is equipped with a private kitchen, bathroom, and living space, allowing residents to manage their own meals, routines, and responsibilities. Support is available on-site, with staff accessible throughout the day and night for guidance, crisis support, or clinical intervention if needed. We continue to monitor physical health through routine health checks and light-touch nursing oversight, ensuring wellbeing is maintained during this important final step. The transitional flats serve as a real-world rehearsal for life beyond Bramacare, promoting confidence, independence, and long-term sustainability in recovery.

making a differencE

Bramacare Impact

By combining clinical expertise with real-world recovery data, Bramacare is redefining what effective eating disorder rehabilitation looks like — improving outcomes through tailored, community-integrated care.

%

Of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life, reflecting meaningful gains in overall wellbeing.

%

Of our patients said they experienced improvements in their close relationships and education.

%

Of our patients reported a reduction in their concerns about their shape.

%

Of our patients reported a reduction in their weight concerns.

%

Of our patients admitted to Bramacare return to live independently in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Process

How do I get referred for admission?

A professional involved in your care (usually a social worker, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional) can visit our website and contact us to receive a referral form. Once this is completed and returned, we will arrange an assessment to determine whether Bramacare is a suitable placement for you.

What documents do I need to provide before admission?

Your referrer will need to provide your identifying details (name, address, contact information), a brief medical history, reasons for the referral, and information about any current risks. During the assessment, we will explore further details such as medication, eating and drinking patterns, personal history, and your goals.

What is the process for an assessment before admission?

Assessments are conducted by a member of our multidisciplinary team (MDT). We explore 11 clinical domains: risk, psychiatric and physical health, presenting mental state, personal care, eating and drinking, community access, communication, sleep needs, social functioning, comorbidities, and clinical history.
The aim is to understand your nutritional, physical, and mental health status and how Bramacare can support you in achieving and sustaining long-term recovery.

How long does the admission process take?

Once we receive a completed referral form, we will offer an assessment within 7 working days. If you are suitable for admission, the timeframe will depend on bed availability and the funding process.

Do I need a referral from a GP or another healthcare professional?

Yes. Only healthcare professionals can make referrals for assessment.

Can I visit the facility before admission?

Yes. Assessments can take place either virtually or in person at The White House, giving you the opportunity to look around. Once funding is agreed, we can also arrange a pre-admission visit for you.

Are emergency admissions available?

We do not offer emergency admissions.

Treatment and Care

What conditions or disorders do you treat?

We support individuals with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder or disordered eating . We are also able to work with people who have comorbid conditions such as other mental health diagnoses or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

What kind of therapy and treatment programmes are offered?

Treatment pathways depend on your needs and goals. We offer both nursing and residential pathways, with the option to progress through them. At The White House, we provide individual psychotherapy, family therapy, dietetic support, structured occupational therapy, and 24/7 nursing care.

Will I have a personalised care plan?

Yes. Every resident receives an individualised care plan tailored to their goals and needs.

How long will I stay in the programme?

We are a longer-term rehabilitation service. A typical admission is around 18 months, though this may be shorter or longer depending on your progress and goals.

Will I have access to individual therapy sessions?

Yes. Our psychotherapist provides weekly 1:1 sessions for all residents.

Are there group therapy sessions?

Yes. We offer monthly group dietetic sessions focused on psychoeducation, as well as group occupational therapy activities.

Will my family or loved ones be involved in my treatment?

Yes, provided you consent and it is clinically beneficial for your care.

What happens if I relapse after treatment?

We do accept readmissions. If you require more intensive support during a current stay, we may refer you to a specialist inpatient unit.

Accommodation and Facilities

What does the accommodation look like?

The White House is a historic country home on the edge of Ipswich, Suffolk. It offers a non-clinical, homely environment with park views. You are welcome to personalise your bedroom and enjoy our communal spaces.

Will I have my own room?

Yes. All residents have their own bedroom. Two rooms share a bathroom (shared only by same-sex residents), while all others are en-suite.

Are meals provided, and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes. Our chef prepares all meals from scratch. Menus are developed collaboratively between residents and our specialist eating disorder dietitian. Individual dietary requirements can be accommodated.

What facilities are available on site?

We have several communal spaces, including a large lounge, a quiet room, and a dining room. The property sits beside a park that residents often use for walks and outdoor activities.

Are laundry services provided?

Yes. There are two laundry rooms on site. One is dedicated for resident use.

What items am I allowed to bring?

You can bring personal items such as blankets, stationery, bedding, and books. Some items (e.g., sharps or risk items) may be restricted and will be reviewed individually by the MDT.

Are there restrictions on electronics (phones, laptops)?

We do not restrict which devices you can bring. Residents follow an electronics agreement, which may be reviewed if devices are used inappropriately.

Daily Life

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day includes shared meals, supervised post-meal support, group outings (such as pottery, nature reserves, cinema trips, or equine therapy), therapy sessions, keywork, and social time. Evenings may involve activities like quizzes, films, self-care, or spending time with peers.

Will I be able to leave the facility during my stay?

Yes. We are a voluntary service and do not detain residents under the Mental Health Act. You are free to leave at any time. Medical advice regarding leave will be discussed and agreed as part of your care plan.

Can I have visitors?

Yes. You are welcome to have visitors.

Are there specific visiting hours?

We ask that visits avoid mealtimes and are arranged in advance with staff to ensure space and privacy.

Will I have free time during the day?

Yes. Free time is planned collaboratively with you and the occupational therapy team.

Can I continue studying or working while in treatment?

Yes. Many residents study or work during their programme. We will help you plan this safely to ensure it does not impact your health.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Will I receive a discharge plan?

Yes. You will receive a discharge letter from the Medical Director and Rehabilitation Manager, including recommendations to support continued recovery in the community.

How can I access support after leaving the programme?

Support may be offered through a Bramacare follow-up package, or through your local community mental health services.

Do you provide help with reintegrating into daily life?

Absolutely. Reintegration is at the heart of our rehabilitation model. Our occupational therapy, dietetic, psychological, medical, and social care teams work together to support you in returning to meaningful activity, improving quality of life, and maintaining health.

Miscellaneous

Can I bring my pet?

Small pets may be allowed following completion of our pet suitability and risk assessment.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on site, but you may leave the property to do so. Support to stop smoking is available if you wish.

Are religious or spiritual needs accommodated?

Yes. We work closely with residents to ensure religious or spiritual needs are respected and integrated into their care.

Will I have a key person?

Yes. Every resident has a dedicated key person—either a nurse or a member of the management team—who leads and coordinates their care.

What if I want to leave the programme early?

Bramacare is a voluntary placement. If you feel the programme is no longer right for you, we will support you in exploring alternative options.