Second 'safe haven' mental health centre opens

The Bothy in Ashington opened in April and the number of people using its services has increased every month since

A face-to-face service for people experiencing a mental health crisis is being offered at a second centre.

The Bothy in Ashington, Northumberland, opened in April and every month there has been an increase in the number of people seeking help.

Now Everyturn Mental Health, which runs it, has opened a similar centre accepting referrals in Newcastle.

Tracy Bruce, head of community and crisis at the charity, said: “It is incredible to see the positive impact that the safe haven has had on people."

The number of people getting help each month from The Bothy in Ashington has doubled from April to October

The charity already provided phone-based crisis support for the NHS, but decided there was a need for in-person support.

The Bothy, on Laburnum Terrace is open between 14:00 and 22:00 every day and was the first walk-in mental health support service in the North East.

It offers help with issues including debt, housing, social isolation and relationships.

Ms Bruce says they are expecting demand to increase "as we head in to the winter of unknowns".

"It is vital that people in mental health distress know they don't have to struggle alone," she added.

People can be referred to the new facility in Newcastle city centre by their GPs or other health professionals.

Levi Buckley, from funder North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said the service offers "help in a crisis" and underlying causes including problems with housing, money, alcohol or drugs.

"The team can also put you in touch with other services depending on the support you need," he said.

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