On World Mental Health Day, a new £23 million integrated Health and Wellbeing Village in Bridgend, supported by funding of £18 million from the Welsh Government has been announced.
Spanning 4.6 acres, the project at Sunnyside in Bridgend will include a GP surgery, general needs and supported housing. In addition, the presence of community services will form part of a much larger Health and Wellbeing Village, promoting physical and mental health, better signposts to care and support in the community and reduce social isolation.
The new development will connect to the Bridgend Life Centre which incorporates a library, community café, wellness service, sports and recreational facilities including provision of a GP exercise referral service linked to Newbridge Fields.
Designed to deliver care closer to home, the Health and Wellbeing Village will provide 59 affordable homes, including 6 supported homes for those who have physical as well as learning disabilities and 10 flats to help people transition from care or supported accommodation. There will also be dedicated room for third sector and outreach services to use.
Built on the site of former Council offices and Magistrates Court, the project will bring unused land back into use creating a multi-functional space open to all the residents of the town and beyond and contribute to the continued regeneration of Bridgend.
The project is receiving £10.7m from the NHS Wales Capital Programme, £6.6m from Social Housing Grant and the Housing Finance Grant, £480,000 from the Integrated Care Fund capital programme and £315,000 Transforming Towns’ Green Infrastructure Funding, alongside private finance. The development is a partnership between Welsh Government, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Bridgend CBC and Linc Cymru Housing Association.
The Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan said:
“The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the importance of mental health and wellbeing. The new health and wellbeing village in Bridgend, will provide a major boost to community care and wellbeing by accommodating a wide range of Health and Wellbeing resources, including support for frail and older people, vulnerable young people and people with learning difficulties. This should avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital or residential care and delays when someone is due to be discharged from care.
This project has been a true example of collaboration between the Health Board, Bridgend County Borough Council and Linc Cymru to deliver a fit for purpose multi-faceted centre to provide wrap around support for some of our most vulnerable people.”
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said:
“Recent months have reminded us all of the fundamental importance of good-quality affordable housing and working collaboratively to support people’s health and wellbeing. This scheme will deliver a new and improved model of primary care that has flexible, accommodation led solutions at its heart.
This Village will not only improve access to a range of services and bring them together, but reduce demands for urgent care by allowing more conditions to be treated in a community setting and closer to home.”
