NHS trust to open ‘safe space’ for young people in crisis

Humber NHS Foundation Trust is to open a ‘safe space’ in Hull for young people in crisis after securing a £115,000 grant from England’s health chiefs.

Funded by NHS England, the ‘safe space’ is set to operate from 8pm until 10am daily from St Andrew’s Place in George Street. The pilot will last for six months for 14 to 18-year-olds from the city and Early Riding and will begin early next year.

The ‘safe space’ will offer a safe, calm and welcoming environment for young people in acute emotional distress who are referred by the existing 24-hour CAMHS crisis service.

The service will be able to offer young people a secure place to go during the night, and will direct them to existing services for support if required. It will build resilience and focus on emotional and psychological well-being, reducing anxiety, improving coping strategies and enhancing perceptions of self-worth.

Paul Warwick, the trust’s clinical lead of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), said: “Through discussions with young people they have told us that sometimes they need a place to go where they feel safe and are listened to.

“Our new service, part of the national drive to improve crisis care for young people, will allow us to draw up alternative plans so we can provide them with more appropriate, personalised support.

“We believe the service will reduce reliance on other emergency services, such as accident and emergency, police and ambulance, and aid recovery, help young people stay well and prevent further crises.

“We also believe it will improve young people and their families’ experience of mental health services.”