Cygnet Health Care has opened Vincent Court, a new community residential service in Blackburn, designed for deaf men with mental health needs.

Vincent Court aims to provide a step-down pathway for individuals transitioning from inpatient settings, including referrals from Cygnet’s own specialist deaf mental health service, Bridge Hampton, based at Cygnet Bury Dunes.

The large, detached house offers five en suite bedrooms and is staffed by a team skilled in British Sign Language. Ongoing outreach and support will be provided, including input from a specialist deaf mental health consultant psychiatrist, removing reliance on local hearing community teams who may not have appropriate expertise.

The service encourages residents to build life skills, engage in community-based activities, and explore education, hobbies and vocational therapy.

Cygnet’s chief executive Dr Tony Romero said: “Deaf individuals with mental health needs often face significant barriers in accessing appropriate services. Vincent Court offers a pioneering, inclusive model that bridges this gap, providing tailored care in a homely community setting. It reflects our belief that everyone deserves support in an environment that respects their culture, language and personal journey to recovery.”

Dr Sodi Mann, forensic psychologist at Cygnet Health Care, said: “There are deaf patients who have been stuck for many years in hospitals because there aren’t appropriate community houses for them. There are also deaf patients who have been discharged and are under the care of hearing community teams who can’t fully meet their needs. Vincent Court will be different.”

Romero added: “Vincent Court is more than just a house, it’s a place of opportunity, belonging and recovery. We are proud to support this important step forward in the provision of specialist deaf mental health services.”