New chapter for Edinburgh mental health unit

One of the longest running units helping adults with mental health problems is relocating at the end of this month after 60 years service in Edinburgh’s New Town.

Hundreds of people have benefited from the specialist care provided in Northumberland Street which was first opened in 1950s by the then Lothian Regional Council.

It could accommodate up to 11 adults who had 24 hour support to help them achieve greater independence, cope better with living in the community and gain access to community resources and services.

The City of Edinburgh Council service is now moving to new accommodation in the Oxgangs area provided by Dunedin Canmore Housing Association which will provide community-based housing support.

The new accommodation in Oxgangs is part of the Council’s aim to deliver 21st century mental health services. This involves services users in the development of services focussing on their recovery – having a home and the right level of support to go with it is a fundamental component of this recovery.
 
Councillor Norman Work, Vice Convener of the Health and Social Care Committee for the City of Edinburgh Council, praised the service.

He said: “Northumberland Street has been instrumental in helping many people with mental health problems cope with the pressures of living in the community.

”I am sure many people will be sad to see the service relocating after such a long-standing association with the New Town but a new chapter is now opening up for those who experience mental health problems in Edinburgh.”

Northumberland Street was awarded the Charter Mark standard for Customer Service Excellence in 2007 and also nominated in the Health and Social Care Staff awards in 2008.

A celebration of the service provided at Northumberland Street is being held today (January 20) between 1pm and 3pm at the premises. It involves current and former staff, health and social care officials, partner agencies and current and former service users.