Pact’s new Lynn Street service in Dunedin has a serene setting—somewhere where staff like working, permanent clients like living and respite clients enjoy spending time.

The move from Asquith Street to Lynn Street was made on June 10, after a special blessing.

Previously the service—with two respite beds and two permanent beds—was in Asquith Street (and before mid-2005 it was in High Street).

Pact decided to look for a new house and property manager Veronica Tichy found what Otago service manager Lynn Hall describes as a “beautiful villa” with high ceilings and lots of windows.

Two rooms on the second storey are used as an office and for storage. Downstairs there are four “massive” bedrooms with ornate ceilings, a kitchen and dining room, two living areas and two bathrooms. It has brand new carpet (hence the need for visitors to remove their shoes); a large garden with lots of trees; and also has off-street parking.

“There’s plenty of room so if people need some space away by themselves they can have it,” Lynn says.

At Asquith Street the house had a small living room and a very small kitchen. Clients living at the service permanently love the new surroundings and respite clients have also been positive. Lynn says a good environment plays a huge part in people’s recovery from mental illness.

“It helps being somewhere really nice so people can continue their recovery journey when they live there permanently. Or, for some people whose permanent housing may not be great, it’s nice for them to have somewhere they can come and stay that’s nice—where they can be pampered a little bit, away from the strains of life.”

The house is also close to bus routes and shops. Staff are enjoying the new surroundings. One bonus for them is the computer is now in a separate room upstairs rather than in a cupboard in the hallway.

For further comment please contact:
Louise Carr
Pact CEO
Ph: 03 470 2206
Cell: 027 499 3251
louise.carr@pactgroup.co.nz