A specialist unit in Hertfordshire for young people with mental health illnesses has received more than half a million pounds in government funding. The expansion of the dedicated ‘Place of Safety’ suite, backed by the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), is expected to be operational in a year’s time.

The centre, based at the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (HPFT) Kingsley Green site in Radlett, received £590,000 from the Department of Health this week as part of a wider £8.4 million funding programme.

The unit will provide a safe place for vulnerable young people who are being assessed under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. They are often very frightened at the point they’re admitted and can currently end up in adult units which can be loud and distressing for children and young people.

David Lloyd, the PCC for Hertfordshire, says the new health unit will be of great benefit to those who are transferred there.

“In other parts of the country these children and young people end up in police cells – but not in Hertfordshire. We’re one of only three police forces in the country not to have detained anyone suffering with a mental health crisis in cells because there’s nowhere else to go.”

“This unit will help younger adults and children in the most distressing of circumstances to get the right care at an important time.”

“Demand for this unit is increasing each year and this centre will help relieve that pressure on other services whilst ensuring a high level of support for those who need it most.”