Plym Bridge House, situated in north Plymouth is a 12-bed, purpose-built, Tier 4 inpatient unit for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The Unit was commissioned in 2009 by the Plymouth Primary Care Trust and opened a year later. The service is now operated by Livewell.
The outside play area at the back of the CAMHS Unit was looking a little unkempt with the tarmac court unusable, as it was covered in moss and there with no line markings on the court. The grass area was also overgrown and inaccessible.
Using Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) funds kindly provided by ReSound (Health) LIFTCo, the area has had a complete overhaul and now boasts a multi-functional court that can be used for tennis, basketball and football. (pictured below.)
The grass area has been tidied up and pathways put in leading to raised planters so the patients can grow their own vegetables. All weather exercise equipment has been installed around the court perimeter.
Some of the original timber outdoor tables were also replaced, with the inclusion of a picnic bench sourced from NBB Recycled Furniture, made from recycled milk bottles. A new shed was also installed to provide a secure store for the new tennis net, football goals, basketball hoops and other equipment.
CHP’s Operations and Relationship Manager (ORM) Sharon Wren, who has overseen the project, commented:
“I’m delighted to see the results of the makeover, it will make such a difference to the young people attending the CAMHS Unit. Exercise releases endorphins in our brain which make us feel good and relieve pain and stress. The fact that this will now take place outdoors will have even more benefits; research shows that being in nature can make us feel happier, feel our lives are more worthwhile and reduce our levels of depression and anxiety. That’s why giving the young people access to the sports and gardening activities at Plym Bridge House is so important and I know the young people who use the unit will be grateful to get outdoors once the weather improves!”