A multi-million-pound mental health facility in North Yorkshire has now opened its doors.
Hummingbird House is our Trust’s new community base for child and adolescent mental health services, adult mental health and North Yorkshire Talking Therapies in Harrogate.
“It has taken a lot of planning, co-ordination and support to get us to where we are now,” said capital design officer Chris Parker.
“I feel a great sense of pride at what’s been created. It will be a fantastic base for our Harrogate services, and a great environment for those who use it.”
Planning for the future
Transformation work began on the former Harrogate office block back in April, with staff starting to move into the new venue in September.
The facility is now fully operational and, once teams have bedded in, an official opening will be held in December.
James Walton, service manager of North Yorkshire Talking Therapies, said: “We are really excited about the move.
“We hope it will be easier for patients to get to us by public transport and we’re also looking forward to creating a nicer working environment for our hard-working staff.”
Working together to transform care
Our Trust has invested £2.1million into transforming the former Victoria Avenue office into a pioneering community mental health facility.
Patients and carers worked with staff in the Trust’s adult and children community teams to co-create the design.
Trust involvement member Hazel Griffiths, a local carer, has been part of the planning process from the start – and is delighted with the final outcome.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Co-creating a community for our teams
The Trust’s community teams in Harrogate were originally split across three sites – Windsor House, Dragon Parade and Jennyfield Health Centre.
All are now based at Hummingbird House and the building has been equipped to help create a “pleasant and relaxing” environment.
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. We are all really looking forward to this next chapter and the opportunities it will bring.
“The interior design should enable us to deliver services in a purpose-built space that better meets the needs of those that require our support.”
Co-creation helps bring plans to life
The revamp has included stripping out the three-storey building and redesigning it through external improvement work and major internal refurbishment.
New clinics and waiting areas, designed following feedback and suggestions from staff, patients, and carers, have also been created.
Gillian Gentle, team manager of CAMHS, added: “The new building has fresh décor, a light bright feel and adapted lighting for patients and staff.
“We hope that having CAMHS and adult services in the same building will help make transitions for young people into adult services much better.”
