Making Space partners with GMMH to deliver new community mental health rehabilitation service
Published 19 October 2026
Making Space is delighted to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) to deliver a new community-based mental health rehabilitation service across Greater Manchester.
Opening on 1 December 2026, the service will support adults with ongoing mental health needs who no longer require inpatient hospital care but would benefit from additional rehabilitation and support before moving into more independent accommodation.
The new service will provide 11 self-contained apartments across two locations – seven at Willow Lodge in Urmston, Trafford, and four at Wentworth House in Eccles, Salford.
GMMH has secured and invested £8.4 million to develop the apartments and establish the new service, creating more opportunities for people to continue their recovery in a homely, community setting.
Supporting recovery and independence
Making Space colleagues will provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working alongside GMMH's specialist Home Engagement and Rehabilitation Team (HEART).
A key feature of the partnership is that HEART will be based at both locations, bringing specialist NHS clinical and rehabilitation expertise together with Making Space's person-centred social care support under one roof.
The multidisciplinary HEART team includes doctors, nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists, who will work closely with Making Space colleagues to provide joined-up, personalised rehabilitation.
People accessing the service are expected to stay for around 12 months, with support tailored to their individual strengths, aspirations and recovery goals.
This could include developing everyday living skills such as cooking, budgeting and managing a home, accessing education or employment opportunities, building confidence and relationships, and reconnecting with local communities.
The aim is to help people build the confidence and skills they need to move on successfully to longer-term accommodation and live as independently as possible.
GMMH will retain responsibility for clinical leadership, governance and quality standards, while Making Space will provide day-to-day rehabilitation and social care support.
Keri Smith, Chief of Business Development and Strategy at Making Space, said:
We’re delighted to be working with Greater Manchester Mental Health on this new service, bringing together our experience in person-centred social care with GMMH’s specialist clinical expertise.
Moving on from hospital can be a significant step in someone’s recovery. Having the right support to rebuild confidence, develop everyday skills and reconnect with the community can make a real difference.
Our teams will work closely with GMMH colleagues to provide personalised support focused on each person’s strengths, aspirations and recovery goals. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first people to the service, getting to know the communities around both locations and developing a positive partnership that supports people to move towards greater independence.
A community-first approach
The new service is part of GMMH's wider plans to modernise mental health rehabilitation, helping more people receive the support they need within their local communities rather than remaining in hospital unnecessarily.
The development follows a public consultation in March 2026, which gathered views from people who use services, carers, colleagues, local residents, voluntary organisations and elected representatives.
Many respondents welcomed a greater focus on community-based rehabilitation, while also raising important questions about staffing, clinical oversight and safety. This feedback has helped shape the development of the new service.
Michelle Bennett, Service Manager at GMMH, said:
We're proud to be working with Making Space to support people as they take the next step in their recovery.
We're grateful to everyone who took part in our consultation and shared their views on the future of rehabilitation services. Their feedback has helped shape the development of this new model of care.
Moving on from hospital can be challenging. With the right support, people can build confidence, develop everyday skills and become more independent in real homes.
Through an £8.4 million investment, we've been able to create modern, purpose-designed rehabilitation accommodation that supports people closer to home and within their local communities.
This new service combines high-quality, specialist NHS care with personalised social care support in a community setting, helping people build confidence, regain independence and prepare for the future.
Bringing Willow Lodge back into use
The new service will also bring the former Park House building in Urmston back into positive use after standing empty for several years.
Previously operating as a 14-bed hospital, the building has been transformed into Willow Lodge, providing seven self-contained apartments where people can continue their recovery with personalised support.
Each person will have their own accommodation, individual support plan and regularly reviewed risk assessments, with Making Space colleagues providing support around the clock.
Making Space and GMMH are committed to being good neighbours and maintaining an open dialogue with local communities.
Come along to the open days
Local residents and anyone interested in finding out more about the new services are invited to attend open days on Thursday 5 November 2026.
- Wentworth House: 8 Westminster Road, Monton, Eccles, Salford, M30 9HF – 10am to 12 noon
- Willow Lodge (formerly Park House): 59 Bowers Avenue, Urmston, Trafford, M41 5TQ – 1pm to 3pm
The open days will provide an opportunity to meet members of the team, find out how the services will operate and ask questions.
Join our new Greater Manchester teams
As we prepare to welcome the first people to our new services, we're recruiting colleagues to join our teams at Willow Lodge and Wentworth House.
We have a range of opportunities available, including Senior Recovery Workers, Recovery Support Workers, waking night positions and bank roles.
It's an opportunity to be part of a brand-new service, working alongside GMMH colleagues to make a positive difference to people's recovery and independence. Find out more and apply here.