Take a look behind the scenes at Everton's new 'People's Place' mental health hub

The new community service opens in the new year

Author: Mick CoylePublished 29th Nov 2022

Everton in the Community says its brand new community mental health hub is on track to open in the new year.

The 'People's Place' is situated a stones throw from Goodison Park, next to the People's Hub and Everton Free School developments.

The new building will provide a new community mental health drop-in, as well as clinical and non-clinical mental health support services.

WATCH: New People's Place takes shape

Plans for the project were first set out four years ago, and the building is due to have its grand opening in early 2023.

Set over two floors, overlooking the Cruyff Court, there are a series of spaces for people to meet, relax, or receive treatment.

There will also be an on-site GP.

The main space is known as "The Egg": A double height space with a feature log burner.

Huge demand for services

Speaking ahead of the planned opening in late January, Deputy CEO of Everton in the Community Mike Salla told us: "It's something we're really proud of and importantly its going to provide a meaningful, purposeful service.

"Certainly after COVID, and against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, something like this is needed more than ever.

"We've never wilted away from the vision, its a need that has to be addressed, and if we don't do what we're doing the need will be a lot worse."

The L4 district is one of the most deprived areas in the country, and Everton in the Community say the impacts of the pandemic and the mental health crisis will be felt heavily within the local area.

Support "when they need it"

Jon Jones is the Senior Programme Manager for People's Place: "(We will provide) an overarching support programme for anybody, depending on whether they've got poor mental health, or positive mental health, poor physical health or good physical health when they need it.

"It'll be a non-stigmatising environment, an environment they trust. It's non-authoritarian, its relaxing so people can access that mental health support how they want and when they want."

The space is thought to be the first of its kind in the Premier League, and will be open to fans of all clubs, or none.

Keep up to date with developments ahead of its grand opening in 2023.

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