Young people's safe havens to open on Tyneside

NHS mental health safe havens for young people are set to open in Newcastle and Gateshead, in a first for the North East and North Cumbria region.

Launching in early 2026, the pioneering service will offer friendly, flexible support for children and young people aged 13-18, as well as families, parents and carers. The two-year scheme is run by charities Everyturn Mental Health and Children North East, with funding from North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).

It follows the opening of safe havens for adults – in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland – offering informal, practical help to support people experiencing a crisis.

ICB chief delivery officer Levi Buckley said: "Mental health safe havens are already helping many adults in our region, but young people's needs are just as urgent.

"Mental health doesn't work to a timetable or appointment schedule. We need support when we need support – so it will be a huge boost to have the region's first safe havens for young people. We have some first-class services in the region, but this can offer something different."

One in five young people is currently having difficulties with their mental health, while suicide rates in the North East are among the highest recorded since 1999.

The safe havens will open 365 days a year, offering free face-to-face, phone and virtual appointments, with no need to be referred by a GP or healthcare professional. They will link with existing NHS services, local authorities, schools, colleges and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations so that young people can access support when they need it most.

Young people will be invited to share their views and help to shape the service, to ensure it offers what they really need.

Adam Crampsie, chief executive at Everyturn, said: “Struggling with our mental health can affect any of us at any time, regardless of age. Working with children and young people, we can understand what issues they face, what support they need and how we can develop a service that’s right for them.

“We want to empower the next generation, giving them the tools to manage their mental health and wellbeing now and in the future. We want to help young people to feel heard, safe and supported – and able to access mental health support when they need it most.”

Leigh Elliott, chief executive of Children North East, said: “Proper healthcare for children and young people must include mental health. We are proud to offer this vital service, creating safe havens where young people are heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their health and wellbeing.

"This service comes at a critical time. With mental health challenges among children and young people rising, it's essential they have access to the right care, at the right time. These will be welcoming, inclusive spaces designed with input from those with lived experience - ensuring they reflect what young people truly need.

"Including children and young people’s voices is at the heart of everything we do. We want to make mental health support accessible, compassionate, and empowering for the next generation.”

The young people's safe havens are also supported by Newcastle Gateshead Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health & Wellbeing Network, which is delivered by Connected Voice. You can find out more on the Everyturn website.