Challenging The Norm – Designing Bespoke Environments for Learning Disabilities

Synopsis

Reflections on the new £32m Aspen Wood Low Secure Learning Disabilities Unit Project, Maghull, for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Including national context re LD services, service aspirations/key drivers, Service user engagement, cross sector learnings, Sensory design, security challenges, Landscape design, the Arts, construction delivery through COVID. Lessons learned/Influence and on two subsequent GDA LD specific projects currently in design in Lancashire and the Black Country (ie Blundell Brooke LD Unit and Heath Lane LD recovery Hub). Continuity of briefing/risk approach across different Trust clients. Finally, lessons learned and impact on wider Mental Health design best practice not just LD.