The Richardson Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing was officially opened in Llandrindod Wells last week in honour of Drew Richardson, a mental health nurse who spent more than 30 years supporting people across Powys.

The centre replaces the former Hazels building and now houses the mid-Powys Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), which offers a range of community-based treatments and therapies for those with mental health issues.

The facility was named in honour of Drew Richardson, a mental health nurse who spent more than 30 years supporting people across Powys (Image: NHS)

Mr Richardson’s partner, Austin Allen, spoke at the opening ceremony.

He said: “Drew achieved greatness.

“His greatness came from the love and respect in which his colleagues held him.

“And I can assure you, their love and respect was deeply returned.

“I had the best loving days of my life with Drew.

The Richardson Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing was officially opened in Llandrindod Wells last week (Image: NHS)

“But he had the best working days of his life with those colleagues here today.”

Sharan Sharman, Mr Richardson’s former manager, spoke of the impact he had on those around him and the decision to name the facility in his honour.

Ms Sharman said: “We named this facility after Drew and that just shows how much everybody here thought about him and how much he touched their lives.

“Because he did. He touched everybody’s lives that he came into contact with.

“Many of us knew him for a long time, some longer than others.

“But however short or long, he touched our lives completely.

“And what a wonderful person he was.”

The centre replaces the former Hazels building and now houses the mid-Powys Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) (Image: NHS)

Mr Allen unveiled a commemorative plaque and a portrait of Mr Richardson, painted by Powys artist Sorell Matei.

Although Ms Matei was not able to attend the event, her husband Stefan shared her sentiments.

Mr Matei said: “She would have liked to say that it was a great honour for her to be asked to paint Drew’s portrait.

“And it was a very emotional experience to get to try to get him to understand him as a person without having been able to meet him before he died.”