Cygnet Hospital Harrow has been shortlisted in two categories at the Design in Mental Health Awards.
The 43-bed hospital on London Road, which supports men with mental health problems, has been named a finalist for both Clinical Team of the Year and Project of the Year (Future Design).
The Springs service at the hospital has been shortlisted for Clinical Team of the Year in recognition of its work supporting individuals with highly complex needs.
The service provides specialist care for autistic people who may previously have been considered too complex for traditional settings. Through a combination of tailored environments, staff expertise and a focus on building trust, the team supports individuals to reduce distress and develop greater independence.
The nomination follows the progress of a young man admitted in 2025 as a “last chance” placement after years of instability in care. Working closely with him, the team co-produced a personalised care approach and adapted his environment to meet his sensory and emotional needs.
Over time, incidents of self-injury reduced, engagement with therapy increased, and he began to build relationships with staff. He is now preparing to return home and reconnect with his family.
The hospital’s second nomination, for Project of the Year (Future Design), recognises its approach to designing environments that support recovery.
The project focuses on trauma-informed design for individuals with severe autism. Instead of relying on restrictive practices, the team created a purpose-built therapeutic space tailored to an individual’s needs, including sensory rooms, low-stimulation areas and access to private outdoor space.
Lighting, noise and layout were adjusted to reduce distress and support emotional regulation. The design was developed with clinical teams and based on the individual’s history, needs and preferences.
Will Anderson-White said: “We are incredibly proud to see Cygnet Hospital Harrow recognised at a national level. This recognition reflects the commitment, innovation and belief of our clinical teams, who have fully embraced our vision for a specialist Autism Pathway that is compassionate, progressive and truly person-centred.
“What we are building at Harrow goes beyond service development, it represents a fundamental shift in how complex autism care can and should be delivered. By combining therapeutic design with expert clinical practice, we are shaping a model that supports recovery, reduces restriction and creates environments where individuals can genuinely thrive.
“It is an exciting time, not just for our hospital, but for the wider landscape of mental healthcare. We are proud to be contributing to that future, and I want to thank every member of the team for their dedication in bringing this vision to life.”
Winners of the awards will be announced in June.
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