Wakefield Safe Space for mental health crisis moves premises

Wakefield Safe Space, which helps people in mental health crisis to find support and help in a non-clinical setting, has moved premises.

Wakefield Safe Space, which has been based in The Arthouse on Drury Lane, has now moved to Caduceus House on Upper Warrengate – the former premises of First Steps Day Nursery which closed in March 2020.

The premises is run by the local charity Wakefield and District Health and Community Support.

It’s based on the ground floor of Caduceus House, which has recently undergone significant renovation work, including new toilet facilities and redecoration.

Caduceus House is based in a convenient location, near to public transport links and also has a large car park, outdoor space and garden.

The intention is that the garden will be used for therapeutic activities in the future, including gardening and growing produce.

Wakefield Safe Space, originally set up in 2020, was led by the local NHS and mental health alliance and provided by a partnership between Touchstone, Spectrum People and Gasped.

It provides a safe place for people in crisis to go and to prevent avoidable attendances at A&E Wakefield Safe Space is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm-12am and is open to anyone aged 16 plus, experiencing or approaching crisis who live in Wakefield District (you don’t need to be registered with a GP service).

They provide one to one face to face support, via telephone and Zoom, group social activities, support for attendees to develop safety plans and also create “wellbeing boxes” to aid in self-distraction and de-escalation at home.

People can either self-refer or be referred in by calling 07776 962815, they can also call into the venue to complete a referral form so that an appointment can be made.

The move enables Wakefield Safe Space to have more room to operate from, as demand for the service has increased.

Melanie Brown, Director System Reform and Integration, Wakefield Place, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: “Since 2020, Wakefield Safe Space has become a crucial part of our mental health offer. It’s integration with other services gives people the timely support they need most, in a supportive and encouraging environment.”