A Sheffield charity is reaching out to people for advice on the plans to introduce a new mental health centre to Gleadless and Heeley.
Sheffield Flourish is asking for people over 18, who have struggled with their mental health and are local to the area, to give their input into how the centre will look and feel.
A fresh refurbishment of Terry Wright Community Hall and Newfield Green Library is planned to accommodate the new mental health centre.
Anne Ripley, a 78-year-old volunteer at Newfield Green Library, said: “This area has been forgotten for lots of things, there isn’t much on your doorstep kind-of help.
“Support so that people know where they can go, and actually following through on support rather than just signposting people off to somewhere else where there is a huge waiting list is important.
“People want help as soon as possible.”
The centre will test a new blueprint for mental health services, allowing people to get help quickly and locally without having to be admitted to a hospital and provide prevention activities and support for recovery from mental illness.
Ms Ripley added: “Having a presence in the area that is going to be there, eventually 24 hours a day, has got to be an improvement on what is currently available.
“It’s going to be good when people come in that are wanting that sort of help and we can just signpost them next door.”
As of Tuesday, co-production meetings began, with the next opportunity for locals to have their input being on March 4 at U-Mix Centre on Asline Road.
A spokesperson from Sheffield Flourish said: “The intention is to ensure the centre brings something supportive to the community to improve access to mental health services.
“Sheffield Flourish are therefore keen to hear from people who have struggled with their mental health and live in the area, to help shape what support the centre could offer.”
To get involved contact Sheffield Flourish via email at info@sheffieldflourish.co.uk or visit their website for more information at https://sheffieldflourish.co.uk/