World Mental Health Day 2017 was celebrated in the South Eastern HSC Trust with a BBQ in Finneston House where Mr Don Bradley, Assistant Director for Mental Health, officially opened the newly refurbished Mental Health Acute Community Services.
Mr Bradley welcomed everyone and emphasised that the refurbishment demonstrated the South Eastern HSC Trust’s dedication to developing services in Downpatrick.
Finneston House which has a long history as a base for mental health services has been developed in conjunction with Patrick Toal and Philip McMaster from the Estates Department to ensure it provides a recovery orientated service in Downpatrick.
Acute Community Services comprising of Home Treatment and Acute Day Treatment provide a community based alternative to hospital admission for people experiencing acute mental illness.
The patients past and present, along with their families, friends and staff attended the BBQ to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished premises. The Acute Community Services now have access to a therapeutic kitchen, activity area, group room, family room, garden area including poly tunnel and shed as well as individual intervention rooms and a treatment room.
Patients and their families highlighted the relaxed atmosphere when they attended and the range of interventions and support available.
