A new service to provide year-round mental health crisis support to adults across the Isle of Wight has gone live in Ryde.
Ryde Safe Haven offers any over 18s on the Island a ‘safe space’ out of hours on Fridays, weekends and bank holidays.
It follows the success of Newport Safe Haven, which opened three years ago and has, in the past year, supported more than 650 people, who live across the Island.
A safe space for people experiencing a mental health crisis
Working closely in partnership with the Island’s other NHS mental health services, the ‘safe havens’ provide a safe space for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Support from staff can be accessed by telephone, email or face to face during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
The service is being run by experienced mental health partners Two Saints Ltd.
The Ryde service has been commissioned as a pilot until March 2023 by the Integrated Care Board for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and is welcomed by the NHS and local councillors.
Where and when
Based in the Town Hall at 10 Lind Street, Ryde Safe Haven, is open on Fridays from 5pm-9pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-9pm. It offers:
- a safe place to talk
- a review of crisis management
- reassurance
- support to stay at well within the community or at home
- signposting to other agencies
- confidential online self-guided mental health support through Mind District.
People do not need a referral into the service. They can just call, email or visit the safe havens in person where they will be able to talk to a mental health recovery worker. They may also be signposted to the service by their GP, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust or other partners.
O’Neill: A growing number of people experiencing poor mental health
Dr Daniel O’Neill, a GP at Ryde who leads on mental health services on the Island for the ICB, said,
“Data has shown that people from Ryde were frequently phoning or attending Newport Safe Haven, so the need is clear, as I know from my own work as a local GP.
“This new service offers increased opportunities for support to individuals in Ryde and the surrounding area for those who are experiencing poor mental health, and unfortunately that is a growing number of people.”
Stevens: Will provide a safe and compassionate therapeutic environment
Dr Lesley Stevens, the Trust’s Director of Community and Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said,
“We are delighted to see this successful model of community mental health care extended to support more people who are experiencing a period of mental health crisis.
“This service will provide a safe and compassionate therapeutic environment with access to specialist mental health care for people living in Ryde and the surrounding area. It will enable people to take their next steps towards mental health recovery and to gain the skills and confidence to manage their mental health and wellbeing.”
Who are Two Saints?
Two Saints works across Hampshire, including the unitary authority areas of Portsmouth and Southampton, Berkshire and the Island to give people who are homeless, vulnerable or in need of support, the opportunity to build a brighter future.
The ‘safe havens’ at Newport and Ryde aim to be the first point of call when someone is experiencing poor mental health and is seeking support, reducing the need for clinical intervention.
Jordan: At some stage in our lives, most of us experience poor mental health
Laura Jordan, Contracts and Performance Manager for Two Saints, said,
“We are really pleased to have been asked to pilot this service in Ryde following a successful three years in Newport.
“At some stage in our lives, most of us experience poor mental health and when you reach the point of crisis, it can be a very scary and overwhelming place to be.
“The team at Safe Haven work really hard to always offer a safe place where they can listen, de-escalate in that moment of crisis, support with a plan so people stay safe and also signpost to other appropriate and meaningful services.
“We want the Isle of Wight community to know that there are people and places they can go to in these crisis moments.”
Lilley: A platform for helping to bring mental health services in together
Cllr Michael Lilley, Deputy Chair of IW Council, IW Council’s Mental Health Champion and the Mayor of Ryde, said,
“I am delighted that Safe Haven, in partnership with Ryde Town Council, has opened in Ryde and see this as a platform for helping to bring mental health services in together within the Town.
“Ryde Town Council recently passed a motion committing it to championing the improvement of services for those experiencing mental health issues with health partners. I see this new facility within Ryde as an important first step.”
News shared on behalf of Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. Ed
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