Located near the centre of Merthyr Tydfil, Ty Alarch has six en-suite bedrooms with spacious communal living areas including lounges, dining room, kitchen, accessible bathroom as well as a garden with space to relax or socialise.
The hospital was officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony by local actor Ross O’Hennessy who has appeared in, amongst other things, Game of Thrones, Holby City and Mission Impossible.
Ross said: “I’m thrilled to be here, first of all because I’m local. The opening of something so unique in Wales is of massive importance to everyone, to the people who will be using the service and the whole community.”
You can see Ross open the service in the video below.
Paula Evans, Ty Alarch’s Service Manager, initially joined Cygnet St Teilo House almost 17 years ago and is looking forward to seeing how Ty Alarch can act as a stepping stone for women on their journey from hospital settings like Cygnet Teilo House into the community.
Paula said: “I’m really looking forward to supporting our service users, seeing them excel and really just get back into the community. Because some of them have been in hospital for many years, so this will be a real progression for them.
“Service users will have the opportunity to do voluntary work if they please. We’ve got great transport links, have sports centres and colleges close by, and we are not far from the Brecon Beacons, where there’s lots of walking trails that they can do.”
Rhiannon Lewis, Team Leader, added: “It’s such a beautiful setting and it feels like a home away from home. I can’t wait to help people, to support them, and I think all the facilities are here to make that happen.”
Referrals to Ty Alarch are now being accepted. To find out more about the service, click here.