West London NHS Trust has partnered with Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind to provide Safe Spaces for local people in the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. These provide a safe and more appropriate alternative to Accident and Emergency departments for people who are in or near mental health crisis. Trained staff are available to provide support and advice in an informal setting.
The service is available to anyone over the age of 18 years who lives in or is registered with a GP within any of the three boroughs. They can self-refer, call or email to book an appointment or to get advice or they can drop-in.
Visiting the recently-opened Hammersmith and Fulham Safe Space, Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive of West London NHS Trust, said: “I’m really pleased to see the hard work in transforming crisis care for local people – patients and carers – coming to fruition. The Safe Spaces we’ve opened are just one of a range of services which the Trust is developing to provide safe alternatives for those in crisis or close to crisis in Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners – with Rethink Mental Illness for the development and procurement phase and with Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind who are delivering the service for the Trust – to ensure that the views of those who need the support have been reflected in the development of these new Safe Spaces.”
Benn Keaveney, CEO, Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind said: “The pandemic has made many people more stressed and anxious, as well as limiting access to support systems. As a result, mental health needs are more complex, and a higher number of people are nearing crisis point.
“With our partners across the NHS, in schools, in the workplace and wider community, we need to broaden our range of prevention services ensuring everyone gets the support and respect they need to stay well. We have challenging times ahead and Safe Space is an important milestone in the current fight for mental health.”
