The Richardson Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing officially opened last week in Llandrindod Wells, providing a modern, accessible replacement for the former Hazels building.

Named in honour of Drew Richardson, a much-loved mental health nurse who dedicated over 30 years to supporting people in Llandrindod Wells and the wider Powys community, the centre will serve as the home for the mid-Powys Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). The team provides a range of community-based treatments and therapies for people experiencing mental health issues.

Speaking at the opening, Drew’s partner, Austin Allen, paid tribute to his dedication and spoke of their love for the area.

“Drew achieved greatness,” said Austin. “His greatness came from the love and respect in which his colleagues held him. And I can assure you, their love and respect was deeply returned. I had the best loving days of my life with Drew. But he had the best working days of his life with those colleagues here today.”

Drew’s manager, Sharan Sharman, added: “We named this facility after Drew and that just shows how much everybody here thought about him and how much he touched their lives. Because he did. He touched everybody's lives that he came into contact with.

“Many of us knew him for a long time, some longer than others. But however short or long, he touched our lives completely. And what a wonderful person he was.”

Austin unveiled a plaque dedicating the building to Drew and a portrait painted by local artist Sorell Matei.

Austin Allen, partner of the late Drew Richardson, unveils a plaque dedicating the new Richardson Centre
Austin Allen, partner of the late Drew Richardson, unveils a plaque dedicating the new Richardson Centre (PTHB)

Sorell was unable to attend the event but her husband, Stefan, explained: “She would have liked to say that it was a great honour for her to be asked to paint Drew's portrait. And it was a very emotional experience to get to try to get him to understand him as a person without having been able to meet him before he died.”

The portrait of Drew Richardson, painted by local artist Sorell Matei, now takes pride of place in the Richardson Centre
The portrait of Drew Richardson, painted by local artist Sorell Matei, now takes pride of place in the Richardson Centre (PTHB)

The CMHT accepts referrals from GPs, acute inpatient wards, and other mental health teams, including LPMHSS, crisis teams, and CAMHS for transitioning patients. People previously under the team’s care who were discharged within the last three years can also self-refer.

NHS ‘111 press 2’ is available 24/7 for anyone with an urgent mental health concern, either for themselves or someone they know.