New mental health facilities for children and teenagers in Wigan
The Children and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) centre for Wigan and Leigh, based at the Helping Hands Centre in Ince, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.
The service, which is run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), supports young people up to the age of 18 years who live in the Wigan Borough, and are experiencing mental health problems which may be causing difficulties in their school, family or social life.
The service works together with young people, alongside their families, schools and people who know them best, to assess and co-develop a plan to help improve and manage their mental health.
This year, GMMH invested £500K in a three-month refurb, to improve the facilities and ensure young people are receiving mental health care and treatment in the best environment possible.
The project involved a number of improvements, including: creating a new Sensory Room; increasing floor space to enhance therapeutic areas; remodelling treatment rooms and staff offices; creating a staff changing area with shower for those who cycle to work; replacing flooring; redecorating; insulating the building; improving the lighting; and soundproofing.
Children and young people from the service were involved in the design of the refurb, providing their opinions on what they wanted to see in the building.
Working with GMMH’s teams, they identified landmarks in Wigan that they felt were important to display as artwork, such as Wigan Pier. Local illustrator Dave Draws brought this to life with a doodle map mural covering an entire wall.
Young people from the service also played an important role in bringing gender neutral options to the facility design - like gender-neutral toilets.
They also choose the colours to be used throughout the building to make them softer and more relaxing. Artwork by children and young people from the service will start to decorate the reception area to ensure the space reflects and welcomes them.
An opening ceremony was held for young people, families, staff and stakeholders on Tuesday 18 April to celebrate the completed refurbished building.
Attendees had the opportunity to see the improved building, meet staff to find out how the service supports young people and their families, network with stakeholders from across Wigan and meet the service’s Young Champions.
Gemma Clarke, Associate Director of Quality and AHP, said:
“Along with improving the building we have also taken the opportunity to improve the provision for families we are working with by increasing the teams working within the unit.
“The full GM crisis care pathway is now provided from one setting with both teams for Wigan and Bolton working within the same building, which improves communication and ensures that young people get the right help when they need it by the right person, in the right place.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. To find out about the support offered in the Wigan Borough, visit: www.gmmh.nhs.uk/wigan-services, or speak with your GP. A 24/7 mental health crisis helpline is also available for those in Wigan, day or night, 365 days a year, on 0800 953 0285.
