Challenge
Delivering on the NHS’ social prescribing goal is more important than ever as England faces unprecedented cases of mental illness, loneliness and chronic disease. Patient research conducted by YouGov on behalf of NHSPS shows nearly 1/2 patients want access to mental health services through GP practices and nearly one fifth requested additional community services such as support groups, exercise classes or nutrition programmes.
Since opening 4.5 years ago, The Listening Place has had over 8300 referrals, with 67% of them coming from the NHS. This year has been challenging for everyone and we know many people will be struggling with their mental health so this number is undoubtedly going to increase.
Solution
Our Asset Management and Construction teams worked very closely with The Listening Place, a London based charity that supports those who feel like life is no longer worth living, North Central London CCG and London Borough of Camden to identify and refurbish vacant space that really supports the needs of those in the community.
Between November and mid-December 2020, we refurbished the tired interior of the third floor of Hunter Street Health Centre, a Victorian building in London, into a refreshing, homely and welcoming space for visitors to The Listening Place. The space includes a range of meeting rooms, counselling rooms, and waiting areas.
Impact
The space at Hunter Street will allow The Listening Place to double their capacity for face-to-face appointments and support a further 1200 people each year at such a dark time for them and importantly, allows them to still socially distance while being able to speak with people during the pandemic.
Creating spaces in NHS buildings for services like The Listening Place will help to improve community health and wellbeing, improve confidence and reduce isolation, simultaneously reducing demand on primary care.
