Community Wellbeing Centre Progress

A mental health charity has been appointed to provide a care support service at a new Community Wellbeing Centre (CWC) in Dundee, which is aimed at improving the city’s response to mental health challenges. 

The move is being described as a “sign of real progress” for the centre, which is due to become operational after building work is completed at the end of the year. 

Following a tender process, Penumbra Mental Health, a charity offering a range of support services across Scotland has been awarded the contract. 

Dundee’s CWC will be “always open” and will provide an immediate, compassionate response to anyone who considers themselves to need mental health support. 

It will be able to make use of community-based accommodation with support for people needing more intensive support for a short period.    

Councillor Ken Lynn, chair of the integration joint board of the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “I am delighted that Penumbra Mental Health has been appointed to provide crucial services at this innovative facility. 

“This is a sign of real progress as we work towards completing this centre and opening its doors. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the stakeholder group and teams across Dundee who are making the idea of this centre a reality. 

“It will make a significant contribution to our efforts to meet the many mental health challenges that are faced in this city. This centre will be a place for people that has been made by people, and I am sure its impact will be felt for many years to come.” 

Penumbra Mental Health CEO Mike Burns added: “We’re delighted to work with partners in bringing a Community Wellbeing Centre to Dundee. As an established charity in the city, we know the difference it can make to people to be able to access compassionate support quickly and easily.

“We also know that everyone’s mental health journey is different, so we’re pleased to be able to use our extensive learning from lived experience and our work in wellbeing and distress support to offer our part in a community service that reflects the needs of local people. 

Stakeholders, including people with lived experience and third sector partners, have already had the opportunity to view the city centre premises and have been involved in the planning of the internal decoration and design of public rooms. This has included input into the shared space of the reception area and community café. 

Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action has facilitated an inclusive communications and engagement plan, which includes promoting the centre, its purpose, how to access it, and how to get involved in its development. It covers the period up to the first few months of the centre’s operation. 

The CWC is located at the South Ward Road building of Dundee-based social landlord Hillcrest, a key stakeholder in the development.

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