Introducing The Anchorage – our region's third safe haven
A third safe haven has now opened in our region, helping people in North Tyneside to access mental health support quicker and easier.
The new service – operated by non-profit organisation Everyturn Mental Health – offers drop-in emotional and practical support for people experiencing mental health crisis. It's open 2pm-10pm, 365 days a year.
Based on Wallsend high street, the new centre has been thoroughly refurbished with funding from North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North Tyneside Council.
Local residents helped to choose the service's name – The Anchorage – reflecting both the area's heritage and the emotional and practical support it will offer. Safe havens offer not just help in a crisis, but also support with the problems that may have caused it, like housing, money, drugs or alcohol.
Levi Buckley, the ICB's chief delivery officer, said: "It's so important that the right support is there when we need it, and we are adding to the range of NHS mental health services across the region.
"Safe havens offer not just help in a crisis, but also support with the problem that may have caused it, like housing, money, drugs or alcohol. The team can put you in touch with a range of services depending on what kind of support you need."
Samantha Kitula, Senior Development Manager at Everyturn Mental Health, commented: “We are delighted to be opening our third North East safe haven, offering new ways to access mental health support in the heart of North Tyneside.
“Our Northumberland and Newcastle safe havens have already shown how vital these community-based mental health services are. They are not only helping local people to access practical mental health in the right place, at the right time, but also easing pressures on other NHS services.
“We hope that our continued work with our partners, including the NHS, local council, and local charity and community organisations will help ensure that nobody struggles alone.”
Karen Clark, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council, said: “The opening of the safe haven is more than just a new service, it’s a statement of our joint ambition to make sure our residents have access to the right support when they need it.
“As well as offering practical support, care and understanding, the launch of a service like this on a high street is breaking the stigma that mental health struggles should be kept hidden. I’m incredibly proud of the partnerships that make this possible and look forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact it has for residents.”
With three safe havens in Ashington, Newcastle and Wallsend, we're looking forward to the fourth, on King Street in Whitehaven, later this year. For more information on The Anchorage and other safe havens, visit www.everyturn.org/safe-haven.