Enhancing Wick’s community mental health drop-in centre to provide an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes wellbeing, reduces social isolation and builds positive relationships.
Estimated Cost
£23,155
Hope to secure funding to transform The Haven into a warm, welcoming and comfortable space for people experiencing poor mental health, loneliness and social isolation. The Haven has served the local community for over 30 years and is a vital community resource used by many. However, the building (over 25 years old) has become tired and dated and no longer reflects the welcoming environment we want to offer.
We are hoping to secure funding for:
Flooring
Furniture
Patio doors
Painting and decorating
Window blinds
We would love to refurbish the centre to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for our service users. The improvements listed above will enhance the overall appearance, comfort and functionality of the space, helping to ensure it continues to be a safe and supportive place for people experiencing poor mental health and social isolation.
CMHSG exists because people need somewhere safe to go before they reach crisis point - a place where they are known, welcomed and supported without judgement. We are all about preventing despair from turning into tragedy, offering belonging where there is isolation and giving people a reason to keep going when life feels unmanageable.
The Haven is much more than a building; it is a place of safety, belonging and family for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. For many of our service users, it is quite literally a lifeline. It provides warmth, connection, understanding and consistent support in a non-clinical environment where people feel accepted and valued. For some, it is the closest thing they have to a family.
After more than 25 years of continuous use, the interior of The Haven is extremely tired and dated, it is not inviting when you walk in and does not reflect a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. By creating a brighter and more comfortable space, we expect members to feel more relaxed, connected and engaged in the support available at The Haven.
The project aligns strongly with local priorities identified through community planning and the Highland Area Place Plan themes relating to:
Supporting health and wellbeing
Tackling social isolation and loneliness
Strengthening community facilities and community resilience
Creating inclusive spaces that enable people to participate fully in community life
Upgrading the centre will have a direct positive impact on the wellbeing of existing users. For our service users experiencing depression, loneliness or low self-esteem, being in an environment that feels cared for and inviting can make a meaningful difference to their overall wellbeing.
The improvements will also help us reach more people in the community who may be struggling with poor mental health or social isolation but are hesitant to access support. First impressions matter, particularly for those who may already feel anxious about attending a new group or seeking help for the first time. A welcoming, modern and attractive space will make The Haven more approachable and encourage new members to come through the door, helping us extend our support to those who need it most.
The project has emerged from ongoing discussions with members and trustees regarding the condition of the building and the need to improve the environment for service users.
Milestones achieved:
Community need identified through regular engagement with members by the Group Manager
Trustee support secured for the proposed refurbishment project
Initial assessment of refurbishment requirements completed
Scope of works identified, including flooring, decorating and blinds
Estimates provided by local tradesman (with exception of patio door)
Next steps:
Obtain estimate for new patio door
Contact contractors for existing estimates to ensure costings are still valid (estimates given 6 months ag0)
Finalise project budget and work schedule
The project start date is dependent upon successful funding and availability of local contractors. The project is estimated to take around two to three months to complete.
The estimated total project cost is a preliminary estimate based on estimates provided and research (patio door and furniture from Ikea) and will be refined once contractor quotations have been updated and door sourced.
.png)
Most voted