3 June 2011

The move of Pact’s mental health day programme from the former 420 Centre in Stafford Street to The Apartment in Dowling Street is already paying dividends.

Patrons began using the new building after Easter and the official opening was held at the end of May with more than 100 guests.

The Apartment service coordinator Jason Whyte told those gathered that a lot of work had gone into getting The Apartment renovated to a high standard and the new space was already paying dividends in the first month of operating.

"We’ve had to double our cooking classes and we’ve got a huge amount of participation in the events and activities that we’re running at the centre so it’s already off to a ripsnorter of a start so that’s pretty cool."

Jason also thanked the patrons for their patience and for being supportive of the transition from Stafford Street. He said new patrons had joined in recent weeks and the wonderful feedback received so far confirmed the move was the right one. He also thanked Pact client programmes and service development manager Glenn Murtagh and Pact’s management team for giving The Apartment the resources needed to make the move happen.

Pact director of operations Donald Shand said the move came about because Pact and service users felt a need to be more aspirational.

"We wanted to create an environment in which dreams could really soar and people could work together to reach their potential."

Donald says when Pact staff became aware of the space they instantly saw the possibilities. He says a lot of thinking went into what could be achieved and much of that thinking came from service users.

Donald acknowledged the Pact trustees for signing off such a big undertaking which had come up from Pact’s frontline staff and the people they support.

The transformation of the space was extraordinary.

"It embodies the kind of transformation that we think we are all entitled to achieve in our lives."

Glenn thanked Jason and Taieri Road service coordinator Shona Laing whose talents in renovation and decoration were used at The Apartment. "Everything looks lovely and Shona’s the reason why."

Pact board of trustees chairman Bill Dunbar congratulated Jason and Glenn for finding the property and getting it up and running.

"I think this is the best facility of its type."

He told patrons to: "Enjoy this facility, have fun and make the very best possible use of it."

On behalf of the trustees, Bill presented a large clock to The Apartment.

To officially mark the opening, support worker Lynne Campbell read a poem penned by a patron.