New Step-Down Unit Launches to Aid Mental Health Patients

A new step-down unit is set to open in Grantham, aimed at supporting mental health patients transitioning from hospital care. The initiative, launched by the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with social enterprise Turning Point, will begin operations at Ashley House in autumn 2025. This pilot program will cater to adults from local wards as well as those returning from facilities outside the county.

The unit will accommodate up to 15 guests for a duration of up to eight weeks. It will provide essential non-clinical support, including assistance with accommodation, benefits, and daily life skills. Staff members will facilitate connections to local community groups, while clinical support will be maintained by the Trust’s community mental health teams. This innovative approach aims to free up hospital beds for individuals in acute need, offering patients a structured environment to regain confidence and independence.

Paul, a former resident at Beacon Lodge in Nottinghamshire, shared his positive experience: “Within minutes of entering Beacon Lodge, you know you are in a good place. I know they improve the lives of hundreds of people each year who enter Beacon Lodge in a bad state of mental health and leave in a far better state of mind, with stronger life skills to help cope with their own health issues.”

Nick Harwood, the director of operations for adult community services at the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the significance of this model: “This new model of care isn’t new funding; it just allows us to repurpose spend currently used to care for people out of area in a more innovative and effective way, keeping people as close to home as possible in a more suitable environment for their needs.”

The collaboration with Turning Point brings over 60 years of experience in providing integrated mental health services. Clare Taylor, chief operating officer at Turning Point, stated, “By drawing on our extensive experience, we will create a recovery-focused and outcome-oriented environment that provides bespoke, impactful support to its guests and wider health and social care system benefits.”

To inform the public about this new service, engagement sessions will be held virtually on October 3, 2025, and in person at Ashley House on October 9, 2025. Interested individuals can find more details on the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s website at www.lpft.nhs.uk/Ashley-House or contact them via email at [email protected].

This initiative represents a significant step forward in mental health support within the region, aiming to enhance recovery pathways for individuals transitioning from hospital settings into more supportive environments.