GM Mental Health and Making Space launch new community rehabilitation service

A new partnership between national social care charity Making Space and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) will help people with ongoing mental health needs move from hospital care to more independent living within their local communities.

The organisations are opening a new mental health rehabilitation service on 1 December 2026, providing 11 self-contained apartments across two Greater Manchester locations: Willow lodge in Urmston and Wentworth House in Eccles, Salford.

The service is designed for adults who no longer need mental health inpatient care but would benefit from additional rehabilitation and support before moving into longer-term independent accommodation.

GMMH has secured and invested £8.4 million to develop the 11 apartments at Willow Lodge and Wentworth House and establish the new community rehabilitation service.

The development follows a public consultation carried out by GMMH earlier this year (March 2026) on plans to modernise its rehabilitation services. Feedback from service users, carers, colleagues, local residents, voluntary groups and elected representatives helped shape the new model of care.

Many respondents supported a greater focus on helping people recover and regain skills in real homes and neighbourhoods, while questions were also raised about staffing, clinical oversight and safety. These issues have been considered in the development of the new service.

To give local people an opportunity to find out more, open days will be held on Thursday 5 November 2026:

• Wentworth House, 8 Westminster Road, Monton, Eccles, Salford, M30 9HF, 10am to 12 noon
• Willow Lodge (formerly Park House), 59 Bowers Avenue, Urmston, Trafford, M41 5TQ, 1pm to 3pm

People using the service are expected to stay for around 12 months while working towards individual recovery goals. Support will be tailored to each person’s needs and may include developing everyday living skills, managing finances, accessing education or employment opportunities, building confidence and reconnecting with local communities.

Making Space will provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working alongside GMMH’s specialist Home Engagement and Rehabilitation Team (HEART).

A key feature of the new service is that HEART will be based at both locations, bringing specialist NHS clinical and rehabilitation expertise together with Making Space’s day-to-day support under one roof.

HEART, a multidisciplinary NHS team including doctors, nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists will work closely with Making Space colleagues to provide joined-up, personalised rehabilitation and help people develop the skills and confidence needed for independent living.

GMMH will retain responsibility for clinical leadership, governance and quality standards, while Making Space will provide daily rehabilitation and social care support.

Keri Smith, Chief of Business Development and Strategy at Making Space, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Greater Manchester Mental Health on this new service, bringing together our experience in person-centred social care with GMMH’s specialist clinical expertise.

“Moving on from hospital can be a significant step in someone’s recovery. Having the right support to rebuild confidence, develop everyday skills and reconnect with the community can make a real difference.

“Our teams will work closely with GMMH colleagues to provide personalised support focused on each person’s strengths, aspirations and recovery goals. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first people to the service, getting to know the communities around both locations and developing a positive partnership that supports people to move towards greater independence.”

Michelle Bennett, Service Manager at GMMH, said: “We’re proud to be working with Making Space to support people as they take the next step in their recovery.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in our consultation and shared their views on the future of rehabilitation services. Their feedback has helped shape the development of this new model of care.

“Moving on from hospital can be challenging. With the right support, people can build confidence, develop everyday skills and become more independent in real homes.

“Through an £8.4 million investment, we’ve been able to create modern, purpose-designed rehabilitation accommodation that supports people closer to home and within their local communities.”

“This new service combines high-quality, specialist NHS care with personalised social care support in a community setting, helping people build confidence, regain independence and prepare for the future.”

Willow Lodge will bring the former Park House building back into use after standing empty for several years. Once open, it will provide seven self-contained apartments for people who are ready to continue their recovery outside hospital.

Residents will have their own accommodation, personalised support plans and regularly reviewed risk assessments. The building was previously used as a 14-bed hospital and will now accommodate just seven residents. Off-street parking will also be available.

Making Space and GMMH are committed to being good neighbours and will continue to work closely with local residents and stakeholders to provide information, answer questions and address concerns.

Making Space is currently recruiting for a range of roles across both services, including Senior Recovery Workers, Recovery Support Workers, waking night staff and bank workers. More information is available at www.makingspace.co.uk/main/work-for-us.