New mental health and wellbeing hub opens its doors

The Keystone hub in Limborough Road, in Wantage will serve people in parts of Oxfordshire

A new space supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing has opened its doors to the public.

The Keystone hub in Limborough Road, Wantage will serve people in the town, as well as residents in Didcot and Faringdon from Monday to Friday, 09:00 BST to 17:00.

It is designed to provide early intervention for people who need mental health support.

Adults experiencing a downturn can get access to NHS mental health professionals as well as peer support workers who have lived through their own challenges.

The hub was opened by Leith Greig-Connor, who represented members of the public who helped co-create the centre

The centre was opened by Leith Greig-Connor, from a patient experience group called Our Voice, which is made up of people who use or have used Oxford Health mental health services.

The group has played a key role in the development of the Keystone hubs since the project’s inception more than three years ago. There are now six hubs in the county.

Ms Greig-Connor said: “I feel very proud to be opening the Wantage hub on behalf of all the Experts by Experience involved with developing the Keystone hubs.

"As Our Voice members, we hope the hubs will promote the accessibility of mental health care.

"I love seeing hubs on the high street because it shows that looking after your mental health is nothing to hide or feel ashamed of.

"Everyone’s mental health matters and getting the help we need is so important.”

'Heart of communities'

The Keystone hubs are also linked to local GP surgeries and alongside mental health care, there is support with leisure and socialising, accommodation, finances, employment, training and education.

Wantage clinical lead Karlie Spice said: “We are so pleased to open our doors to the local community and excited to share what support we can offer.

"The Keystone hubs are all about bringing mental health support and awareness to the heart of communities, quick access to help when and where people need it the most.

"I’m really looking forward to people popping in and being able to help people when they really need it.”