Bucks Safe Haven’s High Wycombe services will now run seven nights a week.
Safe Haven is a mental health crisis support service for anyone living in Buckinghamshire aged 18 years or over. A mental health crisis is different for everyone, and could range from a person feeling like they are struggling and unable to cope, to having thoughts of harming themselves or of ending their life.
Provided initially in a partnership by Bucks Mind and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the service is now joined by new partners Connection Support, Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire and The Oasis Partnership. The new partnership offers mental health support that may be catered through advice around employment, housing, debt or substance misuse.
Tracy Rogers, Service Manager said:
“Safe Haven allows people to talk openly how they are feeling with a friendly and supportive member of staff, without the fear of being judged. We support people to manage their mental health better, to understand where to go for help in their local community, and to feel safer. We work collaboratively with our service users to empower them, but we also offer reassurance in that we continue to be here seven nights a week, should they need us.”
Feedback from recent service users:
“[Safe Haven is] always there when I am in crisis…and helps me be less on my own with my thoughts.”
“My Support Worker was positive and I felt quite good speaking to her, I was able to have a bit of a laugh and smile, after a tough day – and that’s nice.”
In 2020-2021, Safe Haven supported 1,569 local people and, with the expansion of the High Wycombe service, will now be able to help even more people. Further more, on 224 occasions, service users attended Safe Haven rather than A&E, helping to ease pressure on the NHS emergency services.
High Wycombe Safe Haven: 7 nights a week 6.30pm to 12 midnight (call from 6pm, last entry at 11pm) 01494 218098.
Aylesbury Safe Haven: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6.30pm to 12 midnight (call from 6pm, last entry at 11pm) 01296 453017.