A suicide sanctuary set to open in Prestwich will be the first of its kind outside of London, the housing group behind the project has said.
A four-bedroom detached house in Rectory Lane is set to become a respite centre for people in suicide crisis, to be known as the Maytree Respite Centre.
The charity will offer a free four-day stay for people over 18 and promises to provide a safe, confidential and non-medical environment for its guests.
Planning permission to change the use of the residential dwelling to a residential respite centre with a bay window at the front, raised platform at the rear and other associated external alterations was granted on May 26.
Yvonne McDermott, director of growth at Mosscare St Vincent’s, which is working in partnership with the Maytree Trust, told the councillors about the project at Bury Council’s first virtual planning committee meeting last week.
She said: “The intention is that it will operate like any other house on the street. It’s in a lovely residential area. Prestwich is a safe, peaceful and attractive neighbourhood – exactly what we’re looking for with this project.
“Prestwich benefits from an established network of local mental health facilities as well with Prestwich Hospital nearby and there’s therefore the ability to be part and contribute to a network providing additional offer to the community which was key in the selection of the property.
“Mental health and mental wellbeing is becoming increasingly prominent – you can see the COVID situation for that – and this is at the forefront of political agendas.
“This will the first facility outside London of this kind and it will be ground-breaking for Greater Manchester.
“We think it will be fantastic for Bury Council to be at the forefront of this emerging movement. It will really be something to be proud of in the area.”
The applicant acknowledged concerns from residents relating to street parking but said there has been “lots of support” for the application as well.
In addition to parking on site, bike stores and subsidised public transport, the respite centre is now required to provide two extra parking spaces nearby.
Prestwich councillor Cristina Tegolo, who sits on the planning committee, said she was “delighted” to support the application.
She said: “We really need something like this. I’m really proud to have something like this in Prestwich.
“We want things like this in every single ward – not just in Prestwich.”
