North East’s first physical ‘Safe Haven’ service opens in Northumberland

Mental health non-profit, Everyturn Mental Health, is opening its first ‘Safe Haven’, which is expected to provide over 2,000 people a year in the North East with immediate, practical support for their mental health.

Everyturn, through its partnership with the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and a £1m investment from NHS England, is offering a dedicated space for people to receive specialist mental health crisis support.

‘The Bothy’ on Laburnum Avenue in Ashington will be open between 2-10pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, making it easier for people to find and receive mental health support and decrease pressures on emergency services.

‘The Bothy’ will also act as a community space for other local voluntary, charity and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations including the Northumberland Recovery College to provide additional services.

Everyturn has seen a surge in demand and referrals to its services due to various social, environmental, and economic factors. Everyturn’s ‘Together in a Crisis’ service has seen a 24% increase in people accessing its specialist mental health crisis support in 2023, with 41% of people citing financial issues.

Adam Crampsie, chief executive of Everyturn Mental Health, said: “It’s wonderful to get this project off the ground and give people in Northumberland a place of comfort and support if they are experiencing mental health distress in any way.

“Increased pressure on support services can leave people feeling like they have nowhere to turn – that’s why we want the Safe Haven to be a beacon of hope for the community.

“These Safe Havens show how vital investment and partnerships between the NHS and non-profit community organisations like Everyturn are in easing pressure on our emergency services and giving people access to the right mental health support at the right time in an accessible, comfortable way.”

The Northumberland Safe Haven is open to people aged 18+ who are experiencing a mental health crisis or distress. Support is available in-person at The Bothy, or virtually via phone or video call, without the need for a referral. It is part of a range of services in Northumberland and links in closely with existing mental health and wellbeing services.

For more information, visit: https://www.everyturn.org/crisis-support/safe-havens/

Pictured: L-R, Northumbria Police and Crime Comissioner Kim McGuinness, Everyturn Mental Health Chief Executive Adam Crampsie, and CNTW NHS Trust boss James Duncan.