Edinburgh Crisis Centre is a mental health service for people experiencing crisis or distress and those struggling with their mental health.
The service will remain fully open 24/7 every day throughout the upcoming festive period, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The service ensures that support is available exactly when it is needed most.
Established in 1996, over 2000 people contact the Centre each year, with over half making contact for the first time. Carers of people who have mental health issues can also fully access all the Centre’s services. The festive period can be particularly challenging for many people with increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, grief, and distress.
The service, delivered by Penumbra Mental Health and commissioned by Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership, has been up and running in the city for nearly 30 years. People reach out for help for various reasons including stress and anxiety; suicidal thoughts; depression and low mood; self-harm; and sleeping issues.
Jacob Laverty, Centre Manager, said:
“Mental health challenges don’t take a break over the festive period and neither do we. Edinburgh Crisis Centre is open 24/7 every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It’s a time of year when many other community services are closed, including the public holidays.
“The Centre is primarily a face-to-face service, but people need to text, email, or call our helpline to make an appointment. Appointments will usually be made for the same day as the contact is made. People can also be supported by text or email, which for some people can be a better first step to seeking support. It also means we can be there for people, even if the weather turns wintry.
“The service is designed on an ‘Ask once, get help fast’ principle and has proven to reduce the distress of people supported and received positive feedback from partners. If you, or someone you know, needs extra support with their mental health and wellbeing this Christmas please get in touch or encourage others to reach out to Edinburgh Crisis Centre.”
“People that reach out will be supported by our Practitioners, who have a wealth of experience of successfully managing mental health challenges. They know how overwhelming it can feel to reach out for help, especially for the first time. Practitioners listen in a non-judgemental way whilst providing compassion and hope.”
EDINBURGH CRISIS CENTRE
OPEN: 24/7 every day, including weekends and public holidays
CALL: 0808 801 0414
TEXT: 07974 429 075
EMAIL: crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
FACEBOOK: Follow us @The Edinburgh Crisis Centre
WEBSITE: www.edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
