New recovery house set to open in Barroway Drove near Downham Market for those struggling with poor mental health

People in West Norfolk struggling with poor mental health will soon have a new rural space where they can receive support to focus on their recovery and wellbeing.

It comes after West Norfolk Council’s planning committee approved Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s plans for a Short Stay Recovery House (SSRH) in Barroway Drove, near Downham, last Monday.

A maximum of four people at a time will stay for up to five nights at the house, on The Drove, where they will be helped by trained staff in a comfortable, non-clinical setting, thanks to funding from the NHS’ Integrated Care Board.

The planning committee meeting heard from Cheryl O’Sullivan, of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, who said: “Short Stay Recovery Houses aim to provide a safe and supportive space for people to manage a challenging time in their lives that has caused a decline in their mental health.”

She said the mental health charity had chosen the rural location and the house – which was formerly a residential dwelling – as it provides “a calm and relaxing setting to help people with their recovery”.

“Within the house, we will create a warm and friendly environment for people who are experiencing a challenging time in their lives,” she added.

In a bid to alleviate concerns from neighbours in Barroway Drove regarding anti-social behaviour or crime, she said that residents are "thoroughly risk assessed” before arriving at the premises, and added that there had been zero incidents at its location in Norwich since it opened three years ago.

“We will stay mindful and considerate of the neighbours, we want to be working with our community,” she added.

Councillors approved the plans, with some mentioning that a “stigma” regarding mental health seemed to have been reflected in comments objecting to the application online.

Cllr Brian Long said: “I find it disturbing that some of the issues have been raised in the way they have.”

“It’s a lack of understanding, some of the comments and concerns raised should be alleviated,” he added.

“This is Mind, a national charity, they know how to be good neighbours, they shouldn’t have any problems whatsoever. I would say, wait to see what the proof of the pudding is.”

Cllr Steve Everett said: “We need more of these projects to help people. There is a stigma against mental health.

“People say ‘I don't want that in my back yard, they’re going to be violent’, however as stated Mind have done a lot of stuff to mitigate that, they say they don't allow that sort of thing.

“People in crisis need a quiet, relaxing place where they can get support.”

And Cllr Pallavi Devulapalli said: “We do need somewhere for vulnerable people to recover.

“These are people who have had a traumatic experience quite recently and need the calm and the quiet in a relaxed atmosphere and we desperately need places like that in West Norfolk.”

Norfolk and Waveney Mind is set to open the house after running a successful pilot scheme in Costessey, Norwich.

Since it opened three years ago, Holly Tree House has helped people with their recovery while also reducing the burden on GP surgeries and A&E departments – which Mind says has saved the NHS more than £1.1m that would have been spent on mental health beds.

Pete Boczko, chief executive of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said: “We are delighted that our plans for a Short Stay Recovery House in Barroway Drove have been approved by West Norfolk Council.

“It will make such a difference to people in the area with poor mental health, as well as massively easing the burden on the NHS.

“People who have stayed at our SSRH in Costessey, Norwich, have said it saved their lives and helped them find a new way forward.

“Our country is experiencing a mental health crisis and the kind of intervention we can offer at our recovery houses is a vital part of the solution.

“We plan to open our new Short Stay Recovery House in the first quarter of 2024 and look forward to giving people in difficulty the help that they desperately need.”

Norfolk and Waveney Mind also plans to open a further Short Stay Recovery House in Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth, to help people in east Norfolk experiencing poor mental health.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one then it is important to seek support.

For information, resources and a list of all of Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s services, including its new REST Community Hubs, visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or call 03003305488.

For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 option 2.