Models of Work – Community Crisis Mental Health Services
Together’s community crisis mental health services provide critical and unique support, offering a safe, accessible, and non-clinical alternative to A&E for individuals experiencing mental distress.
Currently Together runs two of these services; Berkshire West’s Breathing Space and Southwark Community Sanctuary. Both offer a safe space for people to engage with support in a preventative way to avoid them reaching a mental health crisis.
The community crisis mental health services fill a crucial gap by offering rapid-response mental health support without a waiting list and provide an accessible alternative to services like A&E and NHS crisis teams, consequently easing pressure on them. Individuals referred to the services comment on the comfort provided by being able to book an appointment within 24 hours of making their self-referral or contacting the service via the helpline, eliminating prolonged waiting times experienced with other services. People like students have commented on benefiting greatly as they can access help without the risk of missing out due to academic relocations.
The services offer up to six wellbeing support sessions for each person that is referred who is in a mental health crisis and people can then be signposted to other partner agencies in the locality for further support. Sessions are led by dedicated Wellbeing Workers, either in person, online via video chat, or on the phone and both Together’s services are run outside of normal working hours. In the appointments, individuals can sit with a cup of tea and talk to their Wellbeing Worker about how they’re feeling and what is concerning them. The Wellbeing Worker will listen and help develop a plan to stay safe and well, including coping strategies, defining personal goals and navigating local services in the community for further support.
People who access the services can also talk to volunteer peer supporters who all have their own experiences of mental health crisis. This allows them to share a real understanding of what crisis can feel like in an informed and non-judgemental way. Other ways community crisis mental health services can support people include assisting with benefits and debt support as well as helping with the completion of housing applications to avoid eviction and homelessness. Individuals will be encouraged to engage in activities that promote better physical health and gain access to opportunities for volunteering and education or training.
Berkshire West Breathing Space Feedback
The signposting was helpful as I have now become a member of Monday Men’s football club in the community and a church community at Wycliffe Baptist church where I now attend with my family. There have been many positive impacts from the sessions, and I am hoping not to come back as I have learnt so much. I am happy with the time frame as it is an out of hours service I can come after work. The parking also makes it painless to visit.
I have not used many similar services to Breathing Space. However, talking therapies has had a hugely long waiting time. The support from your service has been the fastest mental health support I have received. I found the signposting helpful as there were loads of services I did not know existed. I am thankful and grateful for the service and the time I spent there. It was helpful in a time of crisis. I am appreciative of that. I felt almost sad that the working relationship came to an end as I enjoyed the time we spent together.
Berkshire West Breathing Space Impact
425 Number of people supported April 2023 - February 2025
244 New referrals received April 2023 – February 2025
Feedback on Southwark Community Sanctuary
I loved that my wellbeing worker was a similar age to me, there are generational differences that always leaves a slight disconnect between me and them. I felt so understood and that I wasn’t just being listened to, I was being heard—the only thing I wanted, was more sessions with the same person. I was so thankful for their time and energy and wish I could have it for longer.
Thank you for all your help and support during my time here. I have gained so much, as well as taken so much from the sessions. Overall, it has been a positive experience. There are not enough words to share how thankful and appreciative I am. I wish for all the best.
Southwark Community Sanctuary Impact
429 Number of people supported April 2023 to October 2024
380 New referrals received April 2023 to October 2024
