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Aston Knight is a Community Engagement Worker based at Bradford’s African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP). […]
New all-age Safe Spaces service to deliver care for those in mental health crisis
Safe Spaces – A new mental health service providing urgent support to adults and children in crisis
Safe Spaces offers same-day support for anyone aged seven and over from Bradford District and Craven who needs urgent help with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
This could include experiencing severe anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, intense depression or feelings of disassociation.
The service is run by the mental health charities The Cellar Trust and Bradford District and Craven Mind and replaces former safer space services Sanctuary, Haven and the children’s overnight service.
Crisis support workers will deliver work alongside volunteers in local hubs and crisis cafes as well as an additional overnight service for children and young people.
The first location to open as part of the launch is the Bradford Hub at Bradford District and Craven Mind which opened on Friday (July 1 2022).
Safe Spaces Programme Director Heather Butcher said:
We’re so pleased to now be able to offer one-to-one support for all-ages including adults, young people and children aged seven and over from our Bradford Hub.
Kris Farnell, Senior Head of Integration and Change (Health and Care) – Mental Wellbeing added:
The new crisis alternatives service for Bradford District and Craven will aim to reach more people than ever before with increased opening hours from 12pm to 2:30am every day.
The children and overnights service will start in August 2022 in a discreet location in the district and a second hub will be opening in Keighley in October 2022. The crisis cafes will form the final part of the service and are also due to start in October 2022 throughout the district.
As the service develops, there will be collaboration with other organisations in the local mental health sector.
Kim Shutler, CEO at The Cellar Trust and Helen Davey, CEO for Mind and Bradford announced partnership:
We are delighted to be extending the Safe Spaces in Bradford District and Craven, and excited to be working with 10 other brilliant local charities. This will enable us to reach and support even more people in our community.
Kelly Barker, Care Trust General Manager added:
Safe Spaces represents a significant step forward in helping people in a mental health emergency get the right care at the right time across Bradford District and Craven.
To access one-to-one help from Safe Spaces, call the NHS First Response helpline on 0800 952 1181 and ask for ‘Safe Spaces’.
Lines are open 24 hours a day for people who live in Bradford District and Craven.
The new service is recruiting more staff and volunteers, giving an opportunity for people who want to start or develop a career in mental health.
Safe Spaces has Crisis Support Worker and Team Leader roles, and volunteers are also being recruited to support the service.
Kim Shutler said:
We would love to hear from people in the community interested in developing their careers in mental health. This is a great opportunity to be part of an innovative service but also to make a huge difference every day.
Posted on: 1st July 2022
