We are delighted to announce a new older people’s mental health facility offering enhanced nursing and specialist residential care and support to individuals with complex needs — including dementia and memory problems — has opened its doors.
NAViGO’s Tees House is named in honour of Grimsby Town footballing legend and prolific goal scorer Matt Tees who, following retirement from the sport, was diagnosed with dementia.
Our significant investment allows for the expansion and relocation of existing older people’s services to create a modern three-storey complex that includes 31 ensuite residential rooms, a communal lounge and overnight facilities for family members.
The facility will also offer enhanced support and therapies through a state-of-the-art sensory room, cinema, podiatry, beautician, indoor gym, hairdresser and activity rooms.
It also provides support to individuals moving on from older peoples’ acute and long-term inpatient units and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and green space.
The second site building will be part of future redevelopment, with NAViGO exploring opportunities to provide residential and training facilities.
NAViGO chief operating officer Janine Smith said: “The Tees House site enables us to offer support tailored to a person’s individual needs at what is often the most vulnerable stage of their lives.
“Having services co-located within enhanced space for activities and relaxation creates more opportunities for meaningful engagement for the residents, their families and the local community.”
Since Matt Tees' death, his wife May has been actively involved in supporting other families affected by dementia, and regularly volunteers within NAViGO’s services.
Not only a nod to the Mariners legend, the naming also reflects the successful partnership between NAViGO and Grimsby Town which aims to positively impact mental health and wellbeing through football.
Unbelievable facilities
May Tees joined representatives from NAViGO and Grimsby Town to officially open the new complex on Tuesday 10 October, 2023 — World Mental Health Day.
May Tees said: “Matt was a footballer — that’s what he did but this was not who he was. He was kind and until the end a true gentleman with a dry sense of humour. A complete family man. He adored his sons, daughter-in-laws and of course his four grandchildren.
“The Tees family are delighted and honoured to have Matt’s name on such a wonderful building.
“Tees House looks to the future — the facilities are unbelievable. What NAViGO is doing is fantastic – helping both the younger and older generation with their mental health.”
The landmark development is another positive step in the continued enhancement of NAViGO’s older people provision which has seen the development of bespoke services and a dedicated suite rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
The expansion of the service also enables individuals with complex needs to remain within the local community, close to their loved ones, rather than being transferred to services out of North East Lincolnshire.
As well as a wide range of inpatient services, NAViGO also offer community care to older outpatients and their families across North East Lincolnshire providing carers’ support, dementia engagement and care home liaison.
Building on our partnership with Grimsby Town, Saturday’s home game against Accrington Stanley will be the next Mental Health Awareness Matchday, encouraging positive conversations about mental health among supporters and improving knowledge around the subject.
Players will warm-up in NAViGO t-shirts, the big screen will be utilised to showcase key messages and wallet-sized cards with signposting information will be distributed by NAViGO staff on the turnstiles before the game.
