Work to build a £20 million mental health unit which will serve patients from Swindon and Wiltshire began last week.

Located in Bristol, the new facility will offer care and support to people with a learning disability or autism from the northern half of the southwest region.

NHS staff and construction workers, along with local people who have lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, watched the first spades break ground.

A model of how the unit will lookA model of how the unit will look (Image: NHS)

The unit will be able to support up to 10 patients at any one time, with the building intended for those whose needs cannot be met by existing hospital or community-based services.

Expected to open in 2025, it will cater to the care and support needs of patients closer to home, reducing the need for being admitted at facilities far from their families and friends.

Among those who witnessed the turf being cut on July 19 was Ben Stunnel, an autism peer mentor whose lived experience has helped to influence the design of the new build.

He said: “It has been very rewarding and confidence building to have our thoughts and ideas listened to and it will be very exciting to see the building going up and taking shape knowing that we've contributed so much.

“I really hope that in future many people and families will benefit from what this new building can offer."

The work began on July 19The work began on July 19 (Image: NHS)

The facility, which will be run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, will complement another, similar facility currently under construction in Devon.

Laura Ambler, executive lead for learning disabilities and autism, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “I am delighted that after months of rigorous planning and working in partnership with local people and their families, work on this new unit is formally under way.

“This site will be a fantastic addition to our existing mental health services, and I know from speaking with local people that having something like this based in our region will make an enormous difference to those who may have otherwise needed to have travelled significant distances for the right care and treatment."

David Jarrett, chief delivery officer, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, added: “It is fantastic to see work starting on this much needed facility.

“Its development demonstrates our shared dedication to delivering specialised, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of local people, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve."