Creating local mental health care – Gleadless and Heeley Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre
The Gleadless and Heeley Mental Health Centre is an NHS-funded project that aims to deliver localised, community-aligned health care and 24/7 clinical support. The centre was designed and developed through co-production meetings held by Sheffield Flourish and supported by partners from Heeley Development Trust, Heeley Plus PCMHT, Rethink/Synergy, and Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust.
“It was a great session where everyone was invited to speak and share. Participants being able to see their ideas taken seriously and put into practice can be transformative. Coproduction builds confidence, ownership, and trust, creating services, spaces, tools and support that communities feel connected to and proud of.”
– Sara Sanderson
People with severe mental health illnesses registered with a primary care network, people with mental health needs in the local area, neurodivergent people with mental health needs in the area and local voluntary sector stakeholders were invited to take part in the co-production process.
Through co-production meetings that included guided conversations, questionnaires, and mood board creation, key themes and important features for the centre were identified. It was extremely important that current barriers to accessing mental health support and the priorities of the community were considered during the planning and development process. This ensures that the mental health centre is made for the community, by the community and fosters a welcoming environment.
The co-production meetings discussed the external features of the centre, including accessibility, green spaces and good signage, as well as interior elements like calming colours, soft furnishings and an emphasis on a comforting atmosphere rather than a clinical one. During conversations, types of charity or community support that would be helpful for people’s mental health were discussed, and some key findings included neurodivergent support, men’s mental health support groups and support for parents.
As a result, a new mental health centre has opened in Sheffield, providing 24/7 support for its users in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The development of Gleadless and Heeley Mental Health Centre would not have been possible without the help and engagement of the local community, with over 400 people taking part in questionnaires, listening events or workshops.
We invite people from all walks of life to attend sessions that suit the needs and interests of the Sheffield community. If you’d like to be a part of creating positive change through collaboration and candour, please visit The Learning Space on the Sheffield Flourish Website for details on current co-production opportunities.
