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Posted on 2 Mar 2021

Launched this week, the Nottinghamshire Crisis Sanctuaries will provide mental health crisis support to local communities across the county.

Provided in partnership between Nottinghamshire Mind, Turning Point, Framework and Harmless. The Crisis Sanctuaries are open to anyone over 18 who feels they are in, or near, a mental health crisis and need a safe space to talk.

The Crisis Sanctuaries will be across Nottinghamshire in: Worksop, Mansfield, Newark, Beeston, Sherwood, East Leake and Nottingham City. Each Sanctuary is open at each location twice a week. Full addresses, contact details and times of opening will be available on the Crisis Sanctuary website, updated regularly.

Each Crisis Sanctuary will have three trained Crisis Intervention Workers who will provide out-of-hours mental health support in a trusted and secure space. Support can also be provided via telephone or through video calling platforms for those who are unable to attend in person.

Due to restrictions imposed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, those looking for support will be required to call ahead prior to visiting one of the Crisis Sanctuaries to ensure that they remain safe and accessible.

Julie Attfield, Executive Director of Local Mental Health Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare says: “I’m delighted that crisis sanctuaries are now available to local communities across Nottinghamshire. These sanctuaries, delivered by a strong charity and voluntary sector partnership, will complement Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s support for people in mental health crisis, which includes local crisis resolution teams, a 24/7 crisis line and a street triage team.”

Nic Roberts CEO for Nottinghamshire Mind said: “Now more than ever people need the support of their local communities to keep mentally well, the Sanctuaries will provide a safe space to access help at the time of crisis and ensure no one suffers alone”

Gaye Flounders, Crisis & Transitions National Lead at Turning Point, said: “The last year has put a great strain on our mental health and it’s vital we have easy access to services. We’re already supporting people across the county with the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline, so we’re very pleased to able provide increased personal crisis support.”

Anna Wetherburn, Service Manager, Wellness in Mind, Framework, said: “This is a much-needed service which will offer a safe space for people experiencing mental health challenges and will make a welcome addition to existing mental health services on offer across the Nottinghamshire.”

Caroline Harroe, CEO at Harmless and The Tomorrow Project, said: “A&E is available 24/7 for those with mental, as well as physical, emergencies. Research shows that A&E attendance for mental health crisis peaks between 6pm and 1am. The Sanctuary will be there during this time to provide a specialist space tailored to meeting the needs of those in mental health crisis. Anyone who needs us will receive one-to-one advice and support in a safe environment.”

For more information:  Crisis Sanctuary Flyer.pdf [pdf] 167KB