Legal News

Surrey County Council has opened a café-style drop in centre, which offers help to people with mental health issues.

Surrey County Council’s mental health champion Councillor Margaret Hicks opened the Safe Haven Service at the Marjorie Richardson Centre in Woking earlier in April.

The new Safe Haven Service is co-designed and run in partnership with North West Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey County Council, CornerHouse – and people with personal experience of mental health.

The centre offers safe and confidential support to people on the verge of or having a mental health crisis.

Opening the centre, Cllr Hicks said:

“This is great news for Woking and – most importantly – for people with mental health issues.

“By working together as one team, we can provide them with even better support when it’s needed most, while also helping to reduce their need for more intensive care and support in the future.”

The new drop in centre provides support that is responsive to people’s needs to anyone who needs help at acutely difficult times – and helps to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.

Family members who may need support and advice are also welcome.

Cecilia Fashesin from North West Surrey CCG said:

“The centre first opened its doors in December – and visitors who have used the service have testified to the incredible impact the centre has already had on their lives.

“In particular, they feel the person-centred intervention and support is really enhancing their journey of recovery.

“Bringing partner agencies together to provide this joined up, holistic service –
helping both service users and their families – is adding to its success.

“We join a number of other Safe Havens across Surrey – and today’s opening marks a real milestone in the development of local mental health services.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.