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30
Oct
New £2.1 million mental health facility opens in Harrogate
A new £2.1 million mental health facility in Harrogate is now “fully operational”.
Hummingbird House is the countywide base for child and adolescent mental health services, adult mental health and North Yorkshire Talking Therapies.
The Stray Ferret revealed last year that Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust had acquired the building, formerly known as Jesmond House, on Victoria Avenue.
It was previously owned by North Yorkshire Council, whose adult social care staff vacated the premises last year. The site was then sold as part of a review of council properties which aimed to save £600,000.
The trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services for the people of County Durham, Tees Valley, York and most of North Yorkshire. began work in April to convert the three-storey building into new clinics and waiting areas.
Staff have been moving in in recent weeks, and the building is now “fully operational”, the trust said today (October 30).
An official opening is to be held in December.
Chris Parker, capital design officer at the trust, said:
It has taken a lot of planning, co-ordination and support from all involved to get us to where we are now. I feel a great sense of pride at what's been created. I hope it will be a fantastic base for our Harrogate services, and a great environment for those who use it.
'This is a place offering hope'
Trust involvement member Hazel Griffiths, a local carer who helped to plan the new building, said:
"We've worked hard to ensure local lived experience and carers’ voices have been sought to help create an environment that feels welcoming for all. This is not just a building, but a place offering hope, healing and person-centred support, where people experiencing mental health challenges can talk openly."
The trust's community teams in Harrogate, which were originally split across three sites - Windsor House, Dragon Parade and Jennyfield Health Centre — are all now based at Hummingbird House.
James Walton, service manager of North Yorkshire Talking Therapies, said the new site would be easier to reach by bus.
Lee Bradley, interim service manager of Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire adult mental health services, said:
"We are confident the move will bring many benefits for staff, service users and carers.”
The main picture shows: Louise Hughes, senior psychological wellbeing practitioner (Talking Therapies), Chris Parker, capital officer, Steve Laughton, contracts manager (Meldrum), Laura Sellers, advanced nurse practitioner for adult mental health services, Hazel Griffiths, carer (NYY Co-creation Board), Sue Storey, medical secretary (CAMHS) and Lee Bradley, interim service manager for adult mental health.
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