New crisis support phone service now live

Advice and Information - 6 May 2020

If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope, a new crisis support phone service is now operating in North Somerset.
safe haven

The Safe Haven Centre was due to open this week in Weston’s town centre to provide a safe space for people in acute emotional distress. However it is now running the new crisis phone line, while social distancing rules are in place, to give people support until the new centre can open its doors.

We are working to boost local mental health services

Healthwatch volunteers have been part of key discussions to set up the new centre, designed to help fill the current gap in mental health provision so people suffering a crisis do not end up at A&E or, as has happened in some cases, arrested by police.

Crisis phone support until face-to-face sessions start up again

The centre, which is run by mental health charity Second Step and was commissioned by the local commisioning group BNSSG, will open for face-to-face appointments in the next few months when lockdown rules are relaxed. It is the first of its kind for North Somerset.

The telephone service, which will operate from 4pm-10pm, seven days a week, will be run by skilled and experienced staff who will contact up to 14 people every evening who are under the care of AWP. People can be referred to the service by ringing the current AWP crisis support line - 0300 303 1320.

You might also be interested in

Front cover of our Enter and View summary report, observing local Avon and Wiltshire Partnership inpatient mental health wards

Report: observing local mental health wards

We visited six inpatient wards managed by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership across the local area. Patients and staff told us what's working well, and where improvements are needed.
Report