At Falcon Support Services, we are proud to operate as a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) - an approach that places psychological understanding at the heart of everything we do. This means recognising the emotional needs of those we support, many of whom have experienced trauma, homelessness, or significant life challenges. A PIE helps create safer, more compassionate services where people feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.

What is a Psychologically Informed Environment?

A PIE is not just a set of practices—it's a whole-organisational approach that ensures every element of service delivery is shaped by an understanding of how trauma and adversity affect behaviour, wellbeing, and recovery.

The PIE framework is structured around five key themes: *Maybe include a diagram of this which you can google.

1. Psychological Awareness

We work with an in-depth understanding of trauma, attachment, and mental health. This knowledge shapes how we interact with service users and helps us create services that respond to emotional as well as practical needs.

2. Training and Support for Staff

Our staff are our greatest asset. We invest in regular training and reflective practice to ensure they are equipped to provide empathetic, informed, and consistent support—while also looking after their own wellbeing.

3. Learning and Enquiry

We continuously review our work, learning from feedback, incidents, and experience. Through open discussion and a culture of curiosity, we evolve and adapt our services to better meet the needs of those we support.

4. Spaces of Opportunity

We design our environments to be welcoming, safe, and empowering—both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s the layout of a communal space or the tone of a conversation, we aim to create opportunities for connection, confidence-building, and change.

5. The Three Rs – Roles, Responsiveness, and Relationships

We focus on clearly defined Roles, being Responsive to individual needs, and building trusting Relationships. These core pillars underpin how we work with both service users and colleagues.

Pizazz: Reflecting and Improving Together

To make sure we’re staying true to PIE principles, we work on Pizazz - a self-development tool designed specifically for psychologically informed services with a peer-led external assessment.

In a recent Pizazz review assessment, completed by a Registered Social Worker Bsc Hons, MSW, Falcon Support Services has been recognized for its unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care to its residents.

The Pizazz review has confirmed that Falcon Support Services has successfully cultivated a Psychologically Informed Environment, one where residents are not only cared for physically but are also supported emotionally and psychologically. While the organization recognizes the ongoing nature of this work, it has demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining and further enhancing the psychological support offered to residents.

Co-Production with People Who Have Lived Experience

A core part of being a PIE is valuing and integrating the voices of people with lived experience. At Falcon Support Services, we are proud to have a dedicated Co-Production Team made up of individuals who have accessed our services and understand the challenges first hand.

Their insight is vital to shaping and improving what we do.

Our Co-Production Team:

• Helps design and review services, ensuring they reflect real needs and lived realities.
• Contributes to training for staff, sharing personal stories and perspectives to deepen understanding.
• Supports peer-led initiatives, such as mentoring, volunteering, and community activities.
• Plays a key role in strategic planning, ensuring our direction remains inclusive, grounded, and people centred.

By actively involving those with lived experience in decision-making, we promote empowerment, challenge stigma, and ensure our services remain relevant, responsive, and respectful.

This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with PIE principles—especially in strengthening relationships, promoting roles with meaning, and creating authentic opportunities for change.