Unit on the move

Mental health service shifts to Oxgangs

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 service is now moving to new accommodation in the Oxgangs area. It is 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 focusing on their recovery – having a home and the right level of support to go with it is a fundamental component of recovery.

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 was held on 20 January at the premises. It involves current and former staff, health and social care officials, partner agencies and current and former service users.