A NEW mental health recovery unit has been opened in Hereford and is ready to take its first referrals, bosses have said.

Miller Court, a purpose-built 14-bedroom facility, was funded through a Big Issue investment loan and is run by the charity, Herefordshire Mind.

It provides nursing and residential care for people recovering from mental health illnesses who are ready to leave hospital or formal care, but need further support.

The new facility is the culmination of two years’ work by the Herefordshire Mind project team, assisted by Hereford-based law firm Lanyon Bowdler.

Project consultant, Keith Woodall, who led the team, said: “We are delighted that Miller Court is now open for business.

“There is a real need for a step down facility in Herefordshire for people who have mental health issues, and Miller Court will be a hugely valuable facility.

“Miller Court will provide a structured, caring environment for people who need to embark on their recovery journey to build a meaningful and satisfying life.

“Central to that is the Recovery Academy – improving recovery and well-being through education and training, remedial sports, workshops and physical activity groups.

“This will be alongside skills development and leisure activities, designed and delivered by experts, which will help to increase a person’s confidence and self-esteem.”

The building work finished in September, and the unit is now ready to accept referrals after being given approval by the Care Quality Commission in October.

Mr Woodall said the project was a challenging time for all concerned, and the assistance of legal experts from Hereford law firm, Lanyon Bowdler, proved invaluable.

“It was a huge project for the trustees, staff and volunteers at Herefordshire Mind to take on,” he said.

“One of the biggest issues was that the site ended up being quite complicated from a legal point of view.

“We had to get the road adopted, and getting the correct legal titles in place for the land was much more involved than we thought it would be.

“The solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler were very much part of the team and were a great help in pushing the project along.”

Jennifer Farmer, of Lanyon Bowdler’s commercial property team, added the team was 'very happy' to be involved in such an important project.

For more information about the facility or to make a referral, visit the website at millercourt.org.uk or call 01432 275380.