Everton's proposals for a purpose-built mental health facility have been granted planning permission by Liverpool City Council.
The People's Place, to be built on Spellow Lane, will provide tailored support to promote positive mental health and deliver support relating to suicide awareness and prevention.
The services and support that the facility will offer is continually evolving as Everton in the Community works to ensure that suitable provision is available to those who need it most.
The facility will provide a space for people to access a broad range of activities that are shown to improve mental health, as well as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who may be facing similar challenges.
The need for The People's Place has further increased in recent weeks and months due to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic across the world.
Everton in the Community CEO Richard Kenyon said: “We are really pleased to have been awarded planning permission for The People’s Place and to move another step closer to bringing this much-needed facility to Liverpool 4.
"There was already a significant need for this facility, and this has only increased due to the coronavirus and the long-term impact that the pandemic could have on people’s well-being – including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
"We’re more committed than ever before to bring this scheme to life as quickly as possible so the confirmation that we can proceed to the next stage is very significant.”
The building will offer advice and support to users and direct them to the many specialist mental health and crisis centres in the centre whilst also incorporating a flexible space to engage with the community as well as a gym and activity space as it is proven that mental health is often improved by physical activity.
The building will form the latest part of the Goodison Campus, which has already seen £10 million invested in the regeneration of the area surrounding Everton's stadium - including the Everton Free School, The Blue Base and The People's Hub.
