Trigger warning: Mental health crisis, suicide, self-harm

As the mental health crisis worsens, we urgently need your support.

We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, and poor mental wellbeing is becoming increasingly severe in our community. In England, 1 in 5 people experience suicidal thoughts and 1 in 15 people attempt suicide in their lifetime.

It's been estimated that 135 people* are affected every time someone takes their life. Grief can be long-lasting for families, friends and communities, and for some people the pain of loss can contribute to their own suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts. - *The Samaritans

We urgently need to raise funds to expand our reach and improve our Safe Haven crisis centre, to provide additional safe spaces and give hope to more adults suffering with poor mental health in Hampshire.

Can you help us reach more people in crisis?

Our Safe Haven crisis centre has provided a lifeline to hundreds of people in its first year. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we provide essential out-of-hours support, in person, over the phone and online. We are here for those in a heightened state, who may have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, as well as members of our community who are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, isolated or alone.

Our plan is to develop a new sensory room, providing a quiet and reflective space, particularly for those who are feeling suicidal when they come into the centre.

We also want to create additional space at the Safe Haven by transforming our neglected and overgrown outside area into a sensory garden, where people can engage with nature and feel the benefit to their mental wellbeing.

People like Miriam*, who was signposted to the Safe Haven after being discharged from hospital. When she felt like harming herself and needed to speak to someone, she said she was welcomed in ‘with warmth and kindness, without any negative judgement’. She was also given a fidget box to help calm her nerves.

"If it hadn’t been for the Safe Haven, my situation probably would have escalated to the point of acting upon my destructive thoughts.

"The team were there for me in my time of need and I’m incredibly grateful. It has made the difficult transition from hospital to community a little bit more manageable."

- Miriam, Safe Haven service user 
(name changed by request)

Read Miriam's full story here