An Edinburgh service which supports children and young people impacted by mental health difficulties has been transformed thanks to funding from a local children’s charity.
Following an £100,000 refurbishment by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) space at the Lauriston Building has been remodelled into a more child-friendly, welcoming
The South Edinburgh CAMHS team sees approximately 1200 young patients every year experiencing a range of modern to severe mental health difficulties, so it is vital that the space feels safe, calming and welcoming.
Children and young people were actively involved in the design and made the decision to have a seaside theme. Colourful pieces of artwork are displayed in the waiting area, corridors and clinic rooms and specialist lighting has been cleverly used to brighten internal treatment rooms. Bespoke, comfortable pieces of furniture feature throughout to ensure visitors are as at ease as possible.
Tommy Blue, Advanced Practitioner for South Edinburgh CAMHS, said: “Children, young people and their families come to CAMHS at a difficult time in their lives, so it is essential that we provide an environment that is fit for purpose and worthy of those who are referred to us.
“Thanks to this funding from ECHC, what was previously an unused area has been enhanced to provide our visitors with a much more positive experience. It feels safe, accepting and comfortable and has been universally well received by visitors as well as staff.”
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “Waiting for an appointment can be a very stressful time for children, young people and their families so it was important to ensure that, from the moment they arrive at CAMHS, they know they are in a safe place where they will be supported and valued.
“To enhance the space, we worked closely with children and young people and asked them what good mental health looks and feels like. The unanimous answer was the seaside.
“With this theme in mind, the space was designed to be bright and colourful, but also calming – transforming it from bare and clinical to warm, welcoming and child and young person friendly.”
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity believes that nothing should get in the way of being a child and works to make sure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness. It distributes around £1.5 million per year to support the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and other children’s healthcare settings across Scotland.
For more information or to donate, visit www.echcharity.org