The Design In Mental Health Network (DIMHN) has launched an all new website aimed at communicating its bold ambitions to a wider audience. The network, established several years ago by concerned mental-health practitioners, is an inclusive organisation. It uses the skills of academics, clinicians, engineers, architects, estates managers, trusts, service users and business to promote an understanding of the critical importance of design in the sector. By collaborating and promoting best practice, the network is delivering change to a wide spectrum of facilities and helping to promote improved patient outcomes.
Talking about the new website, DIMHN chair Jenny Gill said: ‘The volume of useful information available to members and others operating in the mental healthcare arena has increased markedly, especially in the past 2–3 years. We felt it was time for a new, more contemporary website with a wider range of content and enhanced functionality. We hope this new resource will support the vision of the Design In Mental Health Network, provide members with really valuable information, and, simultaneously, encourage other organisations who share our passion for improving the mental healthcare environment to join and thus contribute their expertise and knowledge.’
The DIMHN is much more than ‘talking shop’. It is active in research, development and education, and provides product testing facilities for manufacturers. It promotes an annual conference and exhibition and is establishing links with overseas providers of healthcare to promote the exchange of learning for mutual benefit. Jenny Gill said, ‘In our vision, mental healthcare takes place in environments that bring hope and which are comfortable, therapeutic and appropriate. We are making progress, but we want to do much more. This website can only cover part of our network’s activities, but we believe it will establish us as the place to go for anyone concerned with the mental health built environment. We welcome all visitors to the site, just as we welcome input from all interested parties.’
To learn more about the DIMHN’s activities or to get involved, please visit www.dimhn.org
