3 September 2020

CNWL has launched a new community-based crisis service, that will provide alternative non-clinical support, for people experiencing a mental health crisis, across Brent, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster and Hillingdon.

The Coves offer people over the age of 18, a safe, welcoming space to talk, get information and support to manage their immediate mental health needs, without having to go to A&E.

The service is provided through the Third Sector Provider, Hestia, offering urgent (normally same day) appointments – either face to face locally or remotely through video call – to people who have been referred from CNWL’s urgent care services – including Single Point of Access, Liaison Psychiatry Teams, Home Treatment Teams, and Community Mental Health Services.

The service has three hubs, in Brent and Harrow, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster and Hillingdon, open seven days a week for booked appointments, when other services may be closed.

Support and activities will include:

  • Advice, information and signposting
  • One-to-one support
  • Peer support
  • Chill out space
  • Hot drink and snack

The aim is to equip people with the skills they need to reduce their immediate anxiety, and come up with individual self-directed support plans and provide them with information / advice around the local services and resources that may help them moving forward.

Experience shows that some people find these type of services better, and prefer to talk to experienced people like these; Hestia can call on CNWL staff too.

FAQS

What is the purpose of the Coves?

The service is commissioned to provide short term, immediate non-clinical support to individuals experiencing a crisis or mental distress following assessment by the identified CNWL services.

How is the service funded?

The Coves are commissioned by CNWL NHS Foundation Trust, and ran by Hestia for a period of 12 months (opened since May 2020).

Who can access the Coves?

People 18 years and over experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) a mental health crisis or distress, who have been referred by CNWL’s mental health services will be offered an urgent appointment at the closest service, normally on the same day. There is no fee for using this service.

If people feel they need support they can contact CNWL’s Single Point of Access on Access on 0800 0234 650.

Where are the Coves located?

Brent & Harrow: Tokyngton Community Centre, St. Michaels Avenue, Wembley, HA9 6SA

Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster: Paddington Arts Centre, 32 Woodfield Road, London W9 2BE

Hillingdon: HAYA Community Centre, 90A East Avenue, Hayes UB3 2HR

You can find more information on the service here. 

There’s more information about Hestia here.