New Mental Health Facility Opens in Wiltshire to Support Young People in Crisis

A new specialized mental health facility, the Lavender Suite, has opened in Devizes, Wiltshire, to provide immediate support for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. The suite, part of the Bluebell Unit at Green Lane Hospital, offers a dedicated space for children and adolescents who have been detained by the police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

What is the Lavender Suite?

The Lavender Suite is a one-bed facility designed to provide a calm and supportive environment for young people at a particularly vulnerable time. It is part of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust’s commitment to improving mental health services for young people in the region. The facility aims to offer a more appropriate and friendly setting than a standard police custody suite or general hospital environment during a mental health emergency.

Section 136 and the Need for Specialized Support

Section 136 of the Mental Health Act allows police officers to detain individuals suspected of having a mental health disorder and being at risk of harm to themselves or others. Prior to the opening of the Lavender Suite, young people detained under Section 136 would have been taken to a general Place of Safety, which may not have been specifically equipped to meet their needs. The new suite provides a dedicated CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Place of Safety.

Features of the New Facility

The Lavender Suite has been designed with the specific needs of young people in mind. Key features include:

• A bright and open environment with access to outdoor space.
• A separate entrance from the main Place of Safety, ensuring privacy and reducing potential distress.
• A purpose-built design in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) recommendations.

The name “Lavender Suite” was chosen by staff and service users at Green Lane Hospital, aligning with the names of other units within the hospital – Poppy and Bluebell.

Community Support and Investment

Local youth worker Steve Dewar, who runs The DAY (Devizes Area Youth) Lounge, emphasized the importance of this investment in young people’s mental health. He stated that “every young person deserves safe spaces and safe people.” The opening of the Lavender Suite is seen as a crucial step in providing those safe spaces within Wiltshire.

Future Developments for the Bluebell Unit

The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is planning further developments at the Bluebell Unit, including the creation of a new seclusion and de-escalation suite. This work is expected to begin soon, building on the foundation provided by the Lavender Suite.

Key Takeaways

• The Lavender Suite is a new one-bed CAMHS Place of Safety in Devizes, Wiltshire.
• It supports children and adolescents detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
• The facility provides a more appropriate and supportive environment than traditional places of safety.
• The development reflects a commitment to investing in young people’s mental health.