April 21, 2016 3.35 pm This story is over 91 months old

Lincoln house to be turned into respite accommodation for mental health sufferers

A new supported housing scheme for people with mental health needs will be constructed in Lincoln under new plans. Mental health charity Richmond Fellowship has submitted proposals to City of Lincoln Council to change the use of White Gables on Long Leys Road from a house into the facility. The charity would operate and manage…
The patient also received help at White Gables Crisis House

A new supported housing scheme for people with mental health needs will be constructed in Lincoln under new plans.

Mental health charity Richmond Fellowship has submitted proposals to City of Lincoln Council to change the use of White Gables on Long Leys Road from a house into the facility.

The charity would operate and manage the facility, which would provide assistance to adult mental health sufferers for up to 10 days as an alternative to hospital admission.

Referrals would be made by the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Service, a service delivered by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Richmond Fellowship staff would be present 24 hours a day, with the occupants arriving and departing from the service between 8am and 10pm.

The accommodation would include:

  • Six bedrooms (this includes four with en suite shower rooms, and one bedroom
    for a staff member)
  • Two bathrooms (including ground floor shower room for disabled users)
  • Two living rooms (one is likely to be used as an office for RF staff)
  • Dining room
  • Utility room

The charity has been operating from The Haven in North Hykeham since July 2015 but this move would allow ensure that they had a permanent site.

Support offered includes money, debt or arrears management; support with welfare benefits; finding training, education or work, and support around social isolation.

Richmond Fellowship also provides support in developing life skills or social skills and accessing other support services, such as emotional and mental health issues.

Agents Tetlow King Planning, representing the applicants, said: “The scheme at White Gables would provide a suitable alternative in replacing the facility at North Hykeham making provision for supported accommodation, and improving the health and wellbeing of existing occupants.

“The perception of potential disturbance to residential amenity and privacy has been problematic in previous applications submitted by Richmond Fellowship. The application site benefits from a secluded location – away from any other properties – therefore resolving any potential impact upon neighbouring residents.

“The property‟s location is considered appropriate in light of the type of supported care that will be provided. In providing short-term, respite care for those who suffer from ill mental health, the facility provides a retreat for the occupants.”

City of Lincoln Council has received the plans and will consider them at a date to be set.