The Safe Haven crisis service in Basingstoke opened its doors to the public on Saturday 18th September, to celebrate their 1st Anniversary.
Operated by Andover Mind in partnership with Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Safe Haven is located at the wellbeing centre in Vyne Road, Basingstoke and provides an out-of-hours service to offer help to those in crisis, supporting people across the wider north and mid-Hampshire region, including Andover, Romsey and Winchester.
Safe Haven is open 365 days a year from 6pm until 10pm, providing an alternative to A&E admission for adults experiencing an urgent mental health crisis (or those supporting a loved one), providing emotional and practical support in a safe, calm, comfortable, compassionate and non-clinical environment.
A mental health crisis is defined as when you feel at breaking point and you need urgent help; you might be extremely anxious, having panic attacks or flashbacks, feeling suicidal or self-harming and feel you have nowhere else to turn.
Service user, Stuart said of the service:
“If it wasn’t for Safe Haven then I wouldn’t be here now. The staff are friendly, kind and knowledgeable and have helped me get over some negative thinking habits which have burdened me for years. Coming here has helped me to move on, put my past behind me, and look forward to a more positive future.”
Andover Mind Safe Haven launches virtual appointment service.
As well as offering telephone support and a drop-in service, with no appointment needed during their opening hours, Safe Haven also marked the occasion with the official launch of their new virtual appointment system, enabling access to help for those that cannot physically attend via a secure online video call.
Helen Mothersole, Head of Wellbeing for Andover Mind explains:
“The virtual appointments system means we can support people who might not otherwise be able to physically attend the Safe Haven for whatever reason. Whether it’s a lack of transport, they have dependents to care for, or are too anxious to leave the house. We are here for them.”
Essential support for people in mental health crisis.
Among the guests attending the event was Elveta Bailey, Adult Mental Health Transformation Manager for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, one of the commissioners responsible for funding Safe Haven:
“The North and Mid Hampshire Safe Haven service has strengthened and developed over the past 12 months to become essential support for people in mental health crisis. The individuals who have accessed the service, and their families, have benefited from the commitment, compassion and non-judgemental support of a knowledgeable staff team, with peer supporters being fundamental to the success of this service. We are excited to see how this service evolves and continue to reach out and support a variety of individuals and communities not traditionally accessing mental health services, drawing upon any learning on the way.”
Safe Haven can be found at Andover Mind Wellbeing Centre, 3 Vyne Road, Basingstoke RG21 5NL
Telephone: 0300 303 5772
Virtual Appointment: andovermind.org.uk/safehaven
