UK’s first mental health crisis cafe for young people

In an effort to alleviate the burden on London’s overwhelmed A&E departments, a mental health crisis “café” for young people has been launched in west London. Circle, located in Ealing,  offers a welcoming, calming space for those who are experiencing or nearing a mental health crisis. Young people can receive specialist mental health support through either drop-in or appointment-based sessions. The number of children under 18 seeking A&E care for psychiatric conditions has tripled since 2010, but many do not require hospitalization. Unfortunately, appropriate psychological treatment are not always accessible in A&E, which can lead to prolonged wait times and unnecessary hospitalisations. Circle’s staff will conduct clinical assessments and direct individuals to other local services as necessary.

Circle opens new cafe in Ealing

Nana Owusu, Director of Children & Young People’s Services at HFEH Mind said, “A&E departments are already overstretched and often not the best place for a young person in crisis who’s already feeling distressed and overwhelmed. Circle provides a much needed safe space and immediate support for young people who reach a crisis point with their mental health. “We’ve seen a big increase in children and young people going to A&E with mental health problems in the last 10 years – but for many of them, A&E isn’t the right place. They don’t require hospital treatment; they need support from trained mental health practitioners to de-escalate in that moment of crisis or distress, and this is where Circle comes in.”

The safe and calm space has been designed with young people

Dr Johan Redlinghuys, Clinical Director for North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative said: “Opening the Circle is a significant landmark in our strive to make sure young people in mental health crisis are treated by the right people, in the right place, as quickly as possible. “Demand for NHS mental health services continues to increase and so by putting in place a specialist hub to support young people across North West London, we hope this will reduce pressure on A&E units and set a benchmark for other similar services across the NHS”. The café has been launched as an 18 month ‘test and learn’ pilot with Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind (HFEH Mind) in partnership with the North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative, led by West London NHS Trust. It will receive continuous monitoring and evaluation with a view to rolling out similar services in other locations across North West London.