Ferndene brings together children’s mental health and learning disability services for the first time in the UK, in a 40 bed residential centre for those aged 4 to 18 years old. This landmark building signals the growing legitimacy of child & adolescent mental health in the UK, as its associated stigma is further denounced through the language of architecture. It also fills a gap in a national shortage of appropriate facilities for children with challenging behaviours in the north east of England. The building was conceived as a hand with fingers of bedroom accommodation, spanning out from a central activity building in the palm. Courtyard gardens signal the transition from private bed spaces to shared therapy areas. The positioning of living and day space at the fingertip sets up panoramic views over the mature woodland and Northumbrian hills beyond. Monthly forums with service users developed and reinforced strong individual identities of the four ward groups. Through art, poetry, colour and way-finding a story is told forming a site wide narrative that arrives in the key public space informing a vibrant interior scheme actively engaging with its inhabitants along the way. Developing the design closely with input from the young inhabitants means the building responds directly to their needs. It cleverly avoids characteristics of a traditional mental health building whilst providing a safe, therapeutic and rehabilitative environment. “We are so pleased with Ferndene, it’s doesn’t feel like a hospital and is a wonderful place to work. Fellow staff and young people have literally drawn gasps when visiting and that confirms how well it was designed and conceived. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Eddy Wilkinson – Education Activities Coordinator at Ferndene