The Cove is a new £2.4 million specialist mental health unit that provides recovery and rehabilitation for service users who transition from acute and low secure services and prepares them to live in the community. This is achieved through individualised and intensive therapeutic interventions.

We involve service users in decisions about their care, using person-centred holistic planning. We also promote the engagement with family as part of the Triangle of Care. Treatment options include medication, in-house psychology, and a range of psychosocial interventions. These are complimented by social, recreational, and vocational activities.

The length of stay is expected to vary from three to eighteen months, however it is recognised that some individuals may require longer term treatment.

The team help you with activities of daily living, medical and psychological support, and social or practical needs to promote your recovery and independence and our aim is to safely support our service users back into the community as soon as possible. There will be an emphasis on involving those closest to you, reviewing your support needs, and liaising closely with our community mental health colleagues. Prior to discharge we aim to achieve all rehabilitation goals, to support you to remain out of hospital.

Our ward is based at Mount Gould Hospital in Plymouth, and can accommodate fifteen people at a time.

Nine bedrooms are for service users needing longer term recovery work and six are what are known as ‘step down’ beds. Step down beds provide an intermediate level of care for patients who are ready to leave a hospital’s main ward but still require ongoing support before returning to their own home.

On the ward, alongside patient rooms, you will find a therapy room, sensory room, patient lounge, quiet room, therapy kitchen, multi-faith room and an enclosed garden.