The launch of a mental health hub for Islanders in the centre of Newport has taken a step closer.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust recently took over the former HMV and Poundland store as a place to make some of its mental health services more accessible and allow people to find out more.
The integrated mental health care hub will offer a range of support from Newport High Street, as demand grows for services after the COVID pandemic. The Trust has recently seen increasing pressures on its mental health services with a pattern now emerging of people presenting later in their illness when they are more acutely unwell.
The hub plan was unveiled over a year ago following concerns about how to get Islanders talking about their mental health. It is hoped the more centralised, public location will destigmatise mental health by providing a service outside of St Mary’s Hospital or other healthcare settings.
Planning documents unveiling the empty building’s transformation say it is intended to be a safe space for people who are having an immediate mental health crisis. To help that, a new discreet entrance will be created at the rear of the building, directly into some therapy spaces.
The care hub will also provide primary care support, specialist services and spaces for local communities as well as consultation and clinics.
As part of the transformation plans, submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, a lift would be added to make all 3 floors accessible, new windows and doors will be installed as well as a rooftop plant room enclosure.
Planners say as the building would accommodate visiting mental health patients it was important the windows provide as much natural light as possible to provide an open and calm atmosphere.
You can view the plans, 22/00738/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 27th May.
Wonder if it’ll have an urgent walk-in service for people suffering anxiety/panic attacks. If it did, would take pressure off hospital A&E.
However, a 24 hour walk-in service in a town centre may not be the best idea.
I see the NHS has got money to burn, buying up commercial retail – and how much did they spend on this, that could have been spent on providing a better service at the hospital.
Planners say as the building would accommodate visiting mental health patients it was important the windows provide as much natural light as possible to provide an open and calm atmosphere.
Really, a calm atmosphere, in one of the noisiest and busiest streets in newport, with pubs and bars only a few steps away, where drunks tip out of daily – not really thought this out have they.
How on earth was this location chosen for all the reasons Isle of Wighter said.
Newport High Street is not a relaxing area.
Too many pubs and consequently patrons in drink. It has heavy traffic flow and is b noisy
Also I assume it involves High Street rents, rates etc.
On the other hand we do need empty shops filling in , but wouldn’t a walk in GP service be a better use of the site if it is already leased or owned by the NHS.
The upper floors could perhaps offer a less extensive mental health provision to help with acute needs. The upper floors would be quieter. We do need more GP access.
£3.2 millions on two properties!
Bloody hell,thats asking for chaotic days,and night,more people with mental health problems, rolling out the pubs.who looked at this idea and said yes.
What kind of place 2 go 2 if u got mental health próblem,s…í wonder…
More do gooders.Wasting tax people’s money.Half of the people playing the mental health card are laughing.£12500 tax free money.Free bus pass. Community care grants in there thousands.52 weeks holiday.Council tax and rent exempt.They be more mental getting a job.Its like winning the lottery.etc etc.
Some of us who have mental health issues do actually work. And not all of us get bus passes or care grants.
I have had mental health issues for a number of years and have never had a bus pass or any care grants.
Personally, I think this is a great idea. It can take months for a referral to be actioned by a mental health professional and even longer for any treatment needed. I am not ashamed to say that I will be making full use of this service when I need to.
Robot must have led a charmed life. He exhibits the ignorance of one who has, there are those of us who have seen way too much, sufferd more than most could ever hope to understand.
Stay strong fella, you’re not alone.
It’s a big ocean out there.And a short walk off the pier…
You best go take that walk then son.
We’ll take a hike íf ú need to..some have to…
Will they be treating Dunning Kruger Syndrome.
Judging by comments on this site it’s rife on the Isle of Wight.
Judging by your puerile attempt at humour, I would say you are a sufferer yourself.
Triggered. Wonder why?
The fact that you chose to put up your first message, speaks volumes about you – rather than message about the subject matter, you choose to insult others who have put messages up – I think you have a need for attention and are clearly a sufferer of the very syndrome you refer to.
isle of wighter, you do know that your dogmatic and ill-considered outbursts, and your mistaken belief that your opinions are always right are symptoms of Dunning Kruger Syndrome? You might benefit from a visit to this new facility.
Is the place any good then…
Judging by your silly reply to Cal Orific, you are clearly exhibiting the symptoms yourself, isle of wighter.
Is this in addition to the hub around the corner from Newport bus station or will that close?
If services worked jointly (in unison) then money wouldn’t be wasted, people wouldn’t fall through the net and the mental health service wouldn’t be in such a mess.