A COMMUNITY day centre for adults with mental health problems in Burnley is to reopen after a major makeover to improve facilities.

The Fernandes Centre, North Street, is owned and run by Lancashire County Council and provides a range of community services for around 60 adults with long-term, and enduring mental health problems across Burnley and Padiham, including those with mixed anxiety and distress, depression, and phobias.

Over the past six months the centre has undergone a major refurbishment following £445,000 of capital investment by the county council.

The refurbishment includes two new meeting rooms, a relaxation room, lounge, separate toilets and shower facilities with disabled access, two fully-equipped kitchens and dining room, an IT suite, staff offices, and a pool room.

The centre has also had new security doors fitted.

A spokesman for the county council said: "The aim of the Fernandes Centre is to support people with mental health problems who may feel socially excluded due to their illness, and provide services that promote confidence and independence."

A number of drop-in support sessions are run from the centre, including opportunities for young people with mental health problems to come together, and dedicated support groups for women and people from minority ethnic communities.

College courses are also run in partnership with Burnley College, including IT courses, cooking, literacy, creative writing, and assertiveness, aimed at helping people gain confidence and achieve recognised qualifications.

In addition, the centre is used as a base for outreach work, where staff support individuals out in the community to access leisure, education and employment opportunities.

The centre is also used by community and voluntary groups, including Depression Alliance, Alcoholics Anonymous, Asian carers groups, and a befriending scheme for people with mental health problems run by MIND.

The new-look centre will be officially unveiled by Richard Jones, executive director of adult and community services, and County Coun Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, on Tuesday, February 6.