The Government has reacted to the statement issued by the Gibraltar Mental Welfare Society on the relocation of the Community Mental Health facility following what it calls the “entirely speculative story” carried by GBC earlier this week. The Government says it would like to reassure the GMWS that the project is going ahead and that it is committed to relocating the Community Mental Health Team to a new, state of the art facility. 

A statement continued: “While the Gibraltar Mental Welfare Society has raised concerns about the physical site of the CMHT, which the Government is entirely committed to relocating, HMGoG encourages a focus on the improvements in the model of care that will be offered at the new facility, regardless of its location. The new facility will not only be a better and more suitable premises but will also introduce a new model of care designed to integrate both physical and mental health. This approach aims to deliver comprehensive, personalised and holistic care to support the wellbeing of all service users. The facility will include supporting service users with drug and alcohol rehabilitation, supported employment, supported accommodation, psychological therapies and financial advice.” 

The Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “I am disappointed that the GMWS decided to issue a public statement on the CMHT relocation without first raising their concerns with me. I have met with the GMWS on a number of occasions and my door remains open to them to discuss this, and all other mental health related matters. I want to reassure the GMWS that the Government is absolutely committed to relocating the CMHT from its current premises, as I announced earlier this year. Importantly, however, as part of the relocation we will also be changing the model of care provided so that we will, in effect, create a one-stop-shop for mental health service users. I look forward to being able to announce further details on the project in coming months.”