Construction of new mental health unit begins as first spades break ground

Work to build a new £20 million mental health unit begun in earnest last week as NHS staff and construction colleagues, along with local people who have lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, watched the first spades break ground.

The new facility will be based in Bristol and provide care and support for people with a learning disability or autism from across the northern half of the south west region.

It will be able to support up to 10 patients at any one time, with the building specifically intended for those whose needs cannot be met by existing hospital or community-based services.

With the doors expected to open in 2025, the unit will help keep people much closer to home and reduce the need for patients to be admitted to facilities far away from their family and friends.

Among those who witnessed the turf being officially cut on Friday 19 July was Ben Stunnel, an autism peer mentor whose lived experience, along with that of others with the condition, has helped to influence the design of the new build.

He said: “It has been very rewarding and confidence building to have our thoughts and ideas listened to and it will be very exciting to see the building going up and taking shape knowing that we’ve contributed so much.

“I really hope that in future many people and families will benefit from what this new building can offer, and will help to ensure that people get the best care possible to meet their needs and support recovery.”

The new Bristol unit, which will be run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, will complement another similar facility currently under construction in Devon.

Once operational, the two sites will not only ensure that people from across the south west in need of inpatient care can get the support they require closer to home, but also help to, wherever possible, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Laura Ambler, Executive Lead for Learning Disabilities and Autism, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “I am delighted that after months of rigorous planning and working in partnership with local people and their families, work on this new unit is formally under way.

“When fully open in 2025, this site will be a fantastic addition to our existing mental health services, and I know from speaking with local people that having something like this based in our region will make an enormous difference to those who may have otherwise needed to have travelled significant distances for the right care and treatment.”

David Jarrett, Chief Delivery Officer, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said: “It is fantastic to see work starting on this much needed facility.

“Its development demonstrates our shared dedication to delivering specialised, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of local people, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve.”

Construction of the new unit, which is yet to be named, is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the project expected to wrap up in the spring, ahead of an official opening later in the year.

Further news and updates from the construction site will be shared in due course, but more information about the build can be found online at www.awp.nhs.uk.