A pilot scheme to reduce mental health-related hospital admissions in Gateshead is planning to expand.
The pilot involved a four-bedroom house, where men experiencing mental health crises could get support and reside in the property for up to four weeks. Men could be referred to the home by a mental health crisis team.
However, to be admitted, individuals will need a residence to return to.
Read More: Gateshead Lib Dems support selling off "Mary Celeste" civic centre
According to a report delivered to Gateshead Council: "People with lived experience have told us that they prefer to seek support in non-clinical settings, and evidence tells us that non-clinical support can be just as, or even more effective than clinical intervention if it is received in a timely way".
Angela Kumar, portfolio manager for mental health, learning disability and autism with the North East and North Cumbria integrated Care Board, said: "We have a crisis bed pilot, at the moment, for these last six months, we have avoided 13 hospital admissions, so people have been able to use those beds to get the support they need and return home."
The original male pilot was based on data collected from mental health crises teams in Gateshead, which initially showed a high degree of need for men. A subsequent deep dive into the data revealed a demand for a crisis home for women.
Angela Kumar said: "A lot of the information we were getting was for males. When we explored it further, there were a lot more younger females coming through."
Now, it is hoped a crisis home will open specifically for women by 2024. According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem each year.
For those struggling with mental health issues, there are many organisations to contact.
- Samaritans - 116 123
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust - 0800 652 2863
- Campaign Against Living Miserably - 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight every day)
The NHS recommends if you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Read More:
- 'Far too many' empty council homes waiting or undergoing repairs in Gateshead
£63m fund to save swimming pools could be 'lifeline' for Gateshead leisure centres
Gateshead clairvoyant who beat cancer on exposing cheating partners and mystery illnesses
- Fire brigade cuts 'in the past' pledges Tyne and Wear service's retiring chief
