A sanctuary for people in serious emotional distress in Hull was formally opened in mid-May at an event described as a ‘watershed moment’ for mental health services in Hull and East Riding.
Humber NHS Foundation Trust, which commissioned and supports the ‘crisis pad’, in St Andrew’s Place, St George’s Road, inaugurated the service on 15 May with a celebratory tea party. Claire Holmes, interim care group director for Mental Health Services, said: “To have overseen the building’s refurbishment and established the service within such a tight timescale is a tribute to the hard work of Humber’s staff and their colleagues from Humbercare, our charity partner, and the service-provider.”
The ‘crisis pad’, which opened to patients on 6 April, was identified as a key priority by the Trust and its partners in the Hull and East Riding Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat. Assisted by the Trust’s Rapid Response Service, it provides access to a calm, safe environment and offers support, therapeutic interventions, and expert assessment.
Humbercare helps service-users develop solutions to their immediate problems, and works to strengthen their ability to manage their own mental health needs. It also attempts to reduce their risk of self-harm.
Trust chair, Sharon Mays (pictured), chief executive Michele Moran, and COO, Teresa Cope, hosted senior healthcare leaders at the opening.