Multi-million pound learning facility opens doors

A multi-million pound mental health learning facility opened its doors today, providing free educational courses for service users, families and carers.

Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has opened the new architect-designed building as a physical base for its Recovery Academy, which was launched in 2013.

The academy offers 50 different courses which are co-written and delivered by professionals and people with mental health or substance misuse problems in order to recognise with equal importance both professional expertise and lived experience, according to the trust.

The trust's director of nursing and operations Gill Green said: 'The success of the Recovery Academy in two short years has been phenomenal and we wanted to show the world what 21st century mental health services could look like. This sleek and modern building offers a warm and welcoming experience for the people who use it.

'The courses we offer at this brand new facility provide service users, families and carers free access to the learning opportunities they need to be able to develop their skills and understanding surrounding mental health.'