A trial of round-the-clock opening hours at our Woking drop-in service is to be extended until 7 May to improve access to crisis mental health support.
Safe Havens provide an alternative to A&E for people in mental health crisis who don't also have urgent physical health needs. It's a place where people can go for urgent help with their mental health, without an appointment, to speak to an NHS mental health professional, get advice and support or get an assessment to help decide the best course of care.
The Woking Safe Haven is usually an evening-only service but has been open all day every day from 15 February until 31 March.
Instead of reverting back to usual opening times, the trial-run is being extended by a further five weeks and will now stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until 11pm on Friday 7 May.
Woking to now offer 24/7 Virtual Safe Haven support
People in crisis have also been able to access help and advice online throughout the pandemic by logging onto their local Safe Haven's virtual service. This additional service has been especially helpful to those who were unable, or too worried, to leave home to access support.
The Woking Virtual Safe Haven will now also be available 24 hours a day as part of the extended trial and will be open continuously from 6pm on Thursday 1 April until 11pm on Friday 7 May.
This means that support will be available in person and online at any time of day and night over the forthcoming Easter and May-day bank holiday weekends, a time when GP practices are closed for urgent mental health appointments.
Opening hours for the other Safe Havens, including the virtual Safe Havens, in Epsom, Guildford, Redhill and Aldershot will stay the same for the time being: 6pm -11pm, 365 days per year.
If you're seeking support during normal opening hours, please use the link for your local Virtual Safe Haven. Outside of these times, you can access the Woking service.
However, if you're currently under our community services you should contact your local team in the first instance for advice on your care and treatment.
The Mental Health Crisis Helpline will be open as usual on 0800 915 4644 (lines open 24 hours).
Find out more about all our Safe Havens and get links to the Virtual Safe Havens at: www.sabp.nhs.uk/safehaven