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ICI Paints considered the requirements of the DDA and the psychological effects of colour when developing colour schemes for the refurbishment of the Trevor Gibbens Unit for mentally disordered offenders, in Kent.
The project team, which consisted of Access Collaboration Ltd, the West Kent NHS Shared Services Agency and ICI Paints, has transformed the dull surroundings of the Trevor Gibbens Unit into a therapeutic atmosphere that is both calming and more homely. Nurses, ancillary staff and patients were also involved in the decision making process, to create a real sense of ownership.
ICI Paints’ Dulux Trade brand was specified throughout the project and Dulux Trade Colour Consultants developed aesthetically pleasing and relevant visually contrasting schemes for the communal areas and bedrooms. The project team drew on a number of pieces of research into the psychological effects of colour, which guided them away from colours that could be seen as over stimulating or difficult to live with, towards tones of green and blue, which are seen as more calming.
Sue Pellegrino, from Access Collaboration Ltd, is delighted with the results. She said, “We anticipate that residents will have more respect for the surroundings they helped to create and it is hoped that by developing a more inviting, softer feel, new residents will also settle in more quickly.
“We are extremely impressed with the contribution ICI Paints has made to this project. We initially approached the technical team for advice on the most durable paint finishes and were bowled over by the additional services they were able to provide. The ICI Paints representatives became an integral part of our project team, developing visually contrasting schemes and putting together Colour Scheme Books, which helped our consultative process, in record time.”
Dulux Trade Diamond Matt finish was specified for the walls as it offered the durability required. Due to the nature of the facility any redecoration needed to be hardwearing, as surfaces in the communal spaces tend to be subjected to greater levels of wear and tear.
The Trevor Gibbens unit is an inpatient facility of the Kent Forensic Mental Health Services based in Maidstone, but serving the county of Kent. The service provides assessment and treatment of both male and female mentally disordered offenders.
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