New era of community mental health underway after revamp
A NEW era of community mental health in Tamworth is underway after the official opening of a £2m renovation and expansion.
The formerly vacant Cherry Orchard site, in Hospital Street near to the town centre, now serves as the base for Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MPFT) adult community mental health services in the area following the completion of the big £2.4m project.
The centre provides purpose built facilities in the heart of the community to deliver services that more effectively meet the needs of local people.
Alongside the refurbishment of the existing building, additional clinical space has been constructed; this will enable teams to offer further support to those in need.
A ceremony was held at Cherry Orchard to mark its official opening and to unveil a plaque naming the new group room after George Bryan OBE in recognition of his championing of mental health services in Tamworth.
Among the guests marking the occasion were Mr Bryan’s son, Colin Bryan OBE, and grandsons George and Bill.
Jennie Collier, managing director for MPFT’S Staffordshire and Stokeon-trent Care Group, who joined Colin Bryan in unveiling the plaque, said: “We are delighted to have invested £2.4m into renovating and expanding the Cherry Orchard site in Tamworth, and were honoured to welcome members of George Bryan’s family to join us in marking the occasion.
“In the heart of Tamworth, Cherry Orchard is conceived from the understanding that mental health is an integral part of our overall health. It stands as a symbol of our dedication to breaking down the barriers and stigma associated with mental health, offering support, guidance, and care to those who need it the most.
“We are pleased that service users are already benefiting from this new and improved facility, which serves as a base for adult community mental health services in the area.
“MPFT is investing in the future of health and care to make life better for the communities we serve, and we are proud to have invested £2.4m into renovating and expanding the formerly vacant Cherry Orchard site in Tamworth.
“This development enables our community mental health teams to work more closely than ever before to deliver services that more effectively meet the needs of local people.
“Alongside the refurbishment of the existing building, additional clinical space has been constructed; this will enable our teams to offer additional support to those in need.”
Welcoming the news, Councillor Chris Bain, health and wellbeing scrutiny committee chair at Tamworth Borough Council, told the Herald: “I am delighted to see Cherry Orchard delivering a service to the people of Tamworth. We will continue to press the ICB (integrated care board) and MPFT about future provision, but this is a great start.”