About the Elly Jansen Award

In a dusty box in the CHT offices, we came across a wonderful poem written about Elly Jansen and The Richmond Fellowship, Elly's first Therapeutic Community. Written over fifty years ago in 1969, it's a powerful and touching tribute to the impact of community, and the gratitude felt towards Elly for working tirelessly to provide an alternative to hospital for people living with mental distress.

We are delighted to announce Marilyn Ruttley as the winner of the Original Article category for the 2025 Elly Jansen Award.   Marilyn is a senior caseworker with expertise in attachment, trauma, and therapeutic communities, and is also an expert-by-experience speaker. Her article, "I had skills to offer; I wasn't just a patient", examines the educational activities and aspirations of former patients at a therapeutic community in England. Through personal experiences, intervie