A “world-class” mental health centre has opened in the Swansea Valley.

The £1.5 million Gellinudd Recovery Centre, in Alltwen, Pontardawe, has been developed by Hafal, the principal charity in Wales for people recovering from serious mental illness and their carers.

The centre is the first of its kind and is a not for profit in-patient service with a strong recovery ethos delivered by a third sector organisation.

Part-funded by Big Lottery and the Welsh Government, staff say it will take a more rounded and fulsome approach to treatment including patients physical health and social lives.

The centre's design is based on the ideas and shared experiences of adults with mental health illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.

It has a large living space with an interactive touch screen TV, a kitchen, a crafts room and 16 bedrooms. There is also a treatment room and a play room for guests who have children.

Service user Jo Roberts, who has supported the development of the new centre, said: “Gellinudd Recovery Centre is far from your usual mental health hospital.

“It has been designed by people who have experience of mental illness so guests will be put at the centre of everything.”

Alison Guyatt, Director of the new centre, added: “The centre is the only service of its kind in Wales and the UK, which we hope will set new standards of best practice.

“I have managed mental health hospitals and wards for many years. When I started my career I dreamed of working in a truly therapeutic environment where the patient received a holistic package of care and treatment, and where they were able to take control of their life.

“Thanks to the vision and commitment of Hafal’s members, and the support of the Big Lottery and the Welsh Government, guests at Gellinudd will now receive such a service.”

Guests at the opening event were given a tour the new centre and were informed about future plans for the service.

Speaking at the launch last Thursday, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I am pleased to be opening this centre which uses an innovative approach to help people recover from serious mental health issues and is the first of its kind in Wales.

“We have invested £500,000 in this treatment centre through our Invest to Save funding, which will not only benefit patients but will also generate savings for the NHS in Wales.”