THE first sneak peek of design plans for Tamworth's Banksia Mental Health Unit have been unveiled, with the baton now handed to locals to have their say.
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Hunter New England Health (HNEH) has opened an online survey, and now a roadshow will take off from Tamworth to towns like Armidale, Narrabri, Moree, and Inverell this week.
Banksia House supporter Joan Wakeford said it was of the utmost importance that people took the time to have their say.
"Mental ill health is more widespread than we recognise or talk about, so the prospect of someday maybe needing to be in that unit, that's a real prospect for anybody," Ms Wakeford told the Leader.
"The significance is heightened by the fact that when you're a patient in an acute mental health unit you feel powerless, you've been sent here often by well-meaning family or doctors, and to be able to express an opinion to how that unit should be when you've had an experience of being in it, I think that is a key to the success of this unit."
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The questionnaire includes preferences for a colour scheme; what would create a calming space; which type of artworks to display; the preferred name of the unit; and important amenities for inside and outside.
HNEH executive director for mental health services, Dr Brendan Flynn, said local feedback on the early designs was crucial for planning.
"We are partnering with staff, carers and consumers to collectively develop the design for the new Banksia unit. People with lived experience of mental illness are front and centre in co-designing the new, integrated, Banksia unit," Dr Flynn said.
"The new mental health facility has also been designed to have flexibility and provide short stay accommodation for young and vulnerable people."
Ms Wakeford has backed the health service's commitment to community consultation.
"I think that's excellent and that it will go round the whole region so that people can have their likes and dislikes noted so I think they're handling it very well at the moment," she said.
"The more this unit is owned by the community, the more it's going to break down that fear and the stigma of being a patient."
The roadshow kicks off in Tenterfield on Monday, April 19 outside of Coles on Rouse Street from 10am-1pm.
From 3pm-6pm on the same day, HNEH will be set up outside of Woolworths Glen Innes on the corner of Wentworth and Grey streets.
In Inverell, it will be held at FDBs on Tuesday, April 20, from 10am-1pm, and from 3pm-6pm outside of Coles Moree on Balo Street.
On April 21, the session will be held outside of Coles Narrabri from 10am-1pm.
Tamworth will have one day to visit HNEH representatives in Tamworth Square on Thursday, April 22 from 8.30am-5pm.
The roadshow will end in Armidale on the same day, when the session is held from 3pm-6pm at the Armidale Central Shopping Centre.
The online survey can be filled in via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FH2Y6YH
The new Banksia unit is recognised as a priority project in the state government's $700 million statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
The new unit will contain an additional eight beds supporting services for older persons.
More information on the project can be found via the Health Infrastructure website.
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