8 Partners, 1 Goal.

At the beginning of 2023, Gilling Dod Architects, Kingsway Group and Caudwell Children’s Charity began groundbreaking research and design for a Co-Production CAMHS Bedroom Project. The goal was clear: to design what the ideal CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) bedroom could look like, setting a new benchmark for mental health spaces.

The need for this project stemmed from recognition that traditional CAMHS environments feel short in addressing the emotional and physical needs of service users.

Through a journey of workshops and consultations, including a unique ‘Design a Bedroom’ session with Caudwell Children’s Charity, the project team engaged autistic children, young people, their families, and healthcare professionals to gather real-world insights.

Enhancing Functionality and Comfort

Hygenius contributed to the Co-Production CAMHS Bedroom Project by delivering bespoke fitted furniture solutions tailored specifically for mental health environments. Our designs focused on three critical factors:

Therapeutic Design: A homely, calming aesthetic to foster a sense of security and comfort.

Durability: Robust furniture designed to withstand the rigors of high-risk and high-traffic environments.

Infection Control: Using easy-to-clean materials and designs whilst ensuring maximum safety for the user.

Our solutions seamlessly integrated with the overall design vision, ensuring practicality without compromising on the emotional and therapeutic needs of young service users.

Setting a New Benchmark for Mental Healthcare Design

The resulting concept bedroom, now showcased at Kingsway Group’s Helix Innovation Centre in Greater London, exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform mental healthcare environments.

The Co-Production CAMHS Bedroom Project sets a new benchmark by redefining key principles including:

• Safety and Emotional Well-Being: The design incorporates features that minimize risks while fostering emotional safety, such as ligature-resistant fittings and calming color schemes.
• User-Centered Co-Production: By directly involving service users and their families in the design process, the project reflects real-world needs and preferences.
• Holistic Healing Environments: The space feels less clinical and more homely, creating an atmosphere where young people can rest, recuperate, and thrive.

This innovative approach has established a new standard for mental health environments, inspiring other NHS Trusts, architects, and contractors to adopt similar methodologies.

An Invitation To Visit

Hygenius and our project partners are excited to invite NHS trusts, architects, and contractors to an exclusive Open Day on 13th February at Kingsway Group’s Helix Innovation Centre. This event offers the opportunity to:

• Explore the full-scale concept bedroom.
• Learn about the collaborative design process.
• Discuss how these groundbreaking principles can be applied to future projects.

Fill out the form below to secure your place at the upcoming Open Day on 13th February and join the movement to transform mental healthcare environments.

Navigating the Materials Minefield in Mental Healthcare Furniture

Our latest Q&A with Tim Flett explores the challenges and solutions for navigating the materials minefield when designing mental healthcare environments.

Learn more here