The North East's first walk-in mental health support service sees a 182% rise in referrals. 

Ashington's 'Safe Haven', run by the national non-profit Everyturn Mental Health, has responded to growing demand across Northumberland since its launch in April 2024. 

The launch was initially facilitated by a £1 million funding boost from NHS England and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board. 

Located on Ashington's high street in 'The Bothy', the Safe Haven has already welcomed 528 people seeking support.

Monthly referrals have continued to climb steadily since its opening, rising by 182% between April and October. 

Amidst a backdrop of mounting social, economic, and environmental pressures in the region, 39% of those visiting the Safe Haven report facing challenges in areas such as housing, food security, employment, and financial stability.

Everyturn Mental Health has designed the service to offer direct crisis support, and initial data indicates it is making a measurable impact: 88% of people accessing the service report reduced mental health distress after visiting.

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Tracy Bruce, Head of Community and Crisis at Everyturn, praised the local response: “It is incredible to see the positive impact that the Safe Haven has had so far for people across all of Northumberland. The physical presence in Ashington has been welcomed as a place for local people to get support.”

Tracy also expects the demand for the Safe Haven to continue to grow as winter approaches. 

She said: “It’s vital that people who are in mental health distress know there is support available and nobody has to struggle alone.”

Building on the success in Ashington, Everyturn Mental Health plans to open a second Safe Haven in Newcastle city centre later this month.

Unlike Ashington’s walk-in model, this new facility will be referral-only, expanding the organisation’s reach across the North East.

Levi Buckley, Chief Delivery Officer at the North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: “Mental health distress can happen to any of us, and we're working to improve the range of services so people can get the right support at the right time.

"The Bothy offers something different – not just help in a crisis, but help with the problem that caused the crisis, like housing, money, alcohol or drugs.”

The Safe Haven in Ashington remains open daily from 2-10 pm, offering walk-in crisis support with no appointment necessary.