The Anchorage in the heart of Wallsend has seen huge demand
New mental health ‘safe haven’ The Anchorage in Wallsend(Image: Everyturn)
A “safe haven” in Wallsend High Street has helped more than 200 people with their mental health since opening in July. The new building – called the Anchorage – is the third in a series of new services providing out -of-hours support for people in mental health crisis.
It follows similar venues in Newcastle and Ashington – and the idea is to provide a safe alternative for someone who might otherwise have headed to A&E. The Anchorage is on the corner of Wallsend High Street and Park Road.
It has been created by charity Everyturn Mental Health and is funded by the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board. The idea is to reduce demand on other services and help ensure that people are looked after in the right place and by the right professionals.
Pasha Tanriverdi, strategy and development director at the charity, said: “We’re proud that the Anchorage has already supported so many local people with their mental health in the last two months. The most important thing is that people in North Tyneside are getting support when and where they need it.
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“We’re proud to have become part of the Wallsend community and that we’re also helping to ease pressures on NHS services. We hope that our continued work with our NHS partners, North Tyneside Council, local emergency services, and voluntary organisations in creating this new Safe Haven will help ensure that nobody struggles alone.”
Levi Buckley – chief delivery officer at the ICB – said: “It’s brilliant to see Everyturn already helping so many people here in North Tyneside. We have good mental health services in the region but the Anchorage can offer something different – informal, friendly, practical help without an appointment, in a landmark location right in the heart of Wallsend.
“Mental health doesn’t work to a timetable or appointment schedule – we need help when we need help. So many things affect the way we feel – relationships, housing problems, money worries, alcohol or drugs.
“Here at the Anchorage you can walk in for not just a listening ear, but trained staff who can help you find help for something that’s causing your worry or distress.”
This comes as health bosses have made services more accessible by creating a single number – 111 and selecting option 2 – for those to call in a mental health crisis, while a new text service has also been brought in. To access that, text CALMER to 85258.
The Anchorage is open 2pm to 10pm, 365 days a year.
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
- James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.