New Mental Health Resource Centre Opens

A new mental health resource centre has officially opened in north Belfast.

The centre, Old See House, brings a number of community mental health services to one site, thereby increasing service accessibility and modernising the mode of service delivery.

Attending the opening, Health Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Since taking the health portfolio in May this year I have consistently said that I am committed to tackling the stigma of mental health.

"We need to support people to keep well in the first place and when they need care and support, services should be safe and of the highest quality.

"This facility, the first new-build mental health facility to have been developed in Belfast for many years, will compliment the opening of a new Acute Inpatient Unit on the Belfast City Hospital site, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by November 2018.

"Old See House is developed to hotel standards and will also be used by voluntary and community sector groups. The Resource Centre has 73 staff including admin, community mental health nursing, social workers, doctors, occupational therapists, psychology, peer support workers, carer and user advocates."

Also situated at Old See House is the Belfast Trust Recovery College. Co-produced by service users, carers and staff, the Recovery College programmes aim to provide educational courses for people with mental health difficulties.

Dr Michael McBride, Belfast Trust Chief Executive, said: "Recovery Colleges offer a fresh approach to mental health recovery. The adult learning model reduces stigma and recognises the value and benefits that can occur when people who use services work together in partnership with those who provide them.

"I am pleased that each Trust has now established Recovery Colleges. I want to sincerely thank the people who use this service and those who work in it for what they have achieved together."

(JP/LM)