Sheffield’s mental health NHS Trust has been nominated for a national award for its work to transform its spaces to better support people in moments of crisis.

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (SHSC) has been shortlisted for a Design in Mental Health Award for its new and improved Health Based Place of Safety, which opened to service users in January.

The new space is modern, safe and comfortable for those using it. It’s a place where people are treated with respect and kindness as SHSC works with them to support their mental health.

Several features were specially installed which help to provide a therapeutic space for people using it. These include spacious suites with bright and calming décor, customisable heating and sensory lighting, Bluetooth speakers, interactive screens, artwork from local artist Jill Ray, outdoor space and much more.

The shortlisting panel also recognised the work of the therapeutic environments team behind the renovation, who co-designed every aspect of the design and construction with people who have experience of using mental health services as well as staff at the Trust.

Adele Sabin, head of the therapeutic environments project team, said: “This award nomination is a testament to the dedicated, passionate work which has been put into this project by everybody in the capital and therapeutic environments team.

“We built a space which has respect, kindness and compassion at its heart. It’s dedicated to providing safety and care for the people who use it, to help them get better and have the best possible experience while they use our services.”