The Rivers Centre at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich is a state-of-the-art mental health facility, thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, supportive, and modern space for service users in Norfolk and Suffolk. This multi-million pound project is the single largest capital spend to improve facilities for inpatient care at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), and involved carers, staff and service users in the development of the new building.

One of the main challenges in mental health care is balancing safety with comfort – creating spaces that are not only secure but also feel welcoming and conducive to recovery. The Rivers Centre has achieved this by combining innovative design solutions with Pineapple’s robust, durable furniture, specifically designed for mental health settings.

Bespoke Fitted Furniture: Maximising Space and Functionality

Patient bedrooms in the new wards were thoughtfully designed to offer both secure storage options and essential comfort, featuring Pineapple’s Sovie Beds with matching Hickory-finish headboards, Acumen Bedside units, bespoke Acumen Wardrobes and Desks, and custom-made Window Benches with upholstered seat cushions.

Using Pineapple’s bespoke fitted furniture service, the design maximised space while meeting the service users’ specific needs. This collaborative approach optimised layouts and offered customised solutions to make the most of the space. Mark Kittle, Associate Director of Capital Projects at NSFT, highlighted Pineapple’s expertise in addressing the unique challenges of mental health environments, stating:

“I have found Pineapple to always be helpful and have a clear understanding of our needs in a mental health environment and the challenges this brings.”

Additionally, ensuring that all furniture installation was carried out safely and respectfully was paramount. Having a trained Pineapple team on-site, experienced in working within high-risk environments, offered significant benefits for both staff and service users by maintaining safety, efficiency, and a considerate approach throughout the process.

Communal Spaces: Social and Safe Environments

Communal spaces and dining areas were thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for both patients and staff. These areas were furnished with carefully selected products, such as Ryno® Club Chairs and Ryno® Pedestal Tables, known for their durability and hygienic one-piece design, alongside the Magna Plus soft seating range, Ohio Plus Chairs, and Purl Plus Chairs.

Our Plus seating ranges feature enhanced reinforcement, specifically designed to prevent misuse, while incorporating reduced-ligature and anti-concealment elements for added safety, in a comfortable modern style.

Mindful Outdoor Spaces: Connecting with Nature

Just as the interior spaces were designed with care, a key feature of the facility is its connection to the natural environment, enhancing the therapeutic experience by ensuring that patients and staff have access to green areas where they can relax away from clinical settings. This focus on nature promotes a sense of calm, playing a vital role in service users’ recovery and overall wellbeing.

To create a secure outdoor environment, the unit now features a wide selection of Pineapple’s Ryno® furniture. This includes Tub Chairs, Lounge Chairs, Coffee Tables, Benches, Dining Chairs, and Pedestal Tables, all in a modern, calming Cool Green finish to harmonise with the natural surroundings.

Our Ryno® range is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, featuring a water-resistant and UV-stabilised material for durability. Ryno can be weighted or floor-fixed for added security, making it perfect for demanding environments. Designed for safety and stability, Ryno is a reliable choice for high-traffic and secure settings.

By combining safety with functional design for social and private areas, Pineapple products have helped create secure and welcoming spaces at The Rivers Centre that support well-being and recovery, with the additional capacity reducing out-of-area and independent sector placements for local people in need of mental healthcare and support.

© Photography by Nic Donovan