The experience of a mental health crisis can be disorienting, often leaving individuals and their families feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of available services. In the Romford and wider Havering area, a sophisticated network of crisis intervention and wellness support has been established to ensure that those in acute distress have immediate access to professional care. This system is designed to provide a tiered response, ranging from immediate life-saving interventions to long-term multidisciplinary support and community-based "safe spaces."
The primary goal of the regional infrastructure is to divert individuals from hospital emergency departments when acute medical intervention is not required, while still providing a clinical level of assessment and stabilization. By utilizing a combination of 24/7 hubs, mobile crisis lines, and walk-in centers, the healthcare system ensures that no individual is left without a pathway to care, regardless of the time of day or the severity of their distress.
Immediate Emergency Response and Acute Interventions
When a mental health crisis reaches a point of immediate danger—such as active suicidal ideation, severe self-harm, or a threat to others—the priority is physical safety and rapid stabilization.
Critical Emergency Contacts
For situations involving immediate danger, the first point of contact remains the emergency services via 999. However, for those who require urgent mental health support that does not necessarily constitute a life-threatening emergency, several dedicated 24/7 pathways exist:
- Mental Health Direct: Accessible at 0300 555 1000, this service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a direct link to urgent support.
- NHS 111 (Option 2): By dialing 111 and selecting the mental health option, callers are connected to their local NHS crisis line. These lines are staffed by trained professionals who assist individuals in navigating their emotions and directing them to the most appropriate clinical resource.
Inclusive Communication Support
To ensure equitable access to crisis care, the NHS 111 service provides specific accommodations for those with communication barriers. This includes: - Text relay services for those with hearing or speech impairments. - British Sign Language (BSL) support. - Access to professional interpreters for non-English speakers.
The Enhanced Integrated Crisis Assessment Hub (ICAH)
A cornerstone of the urgent care strategy in the region is the NELFT 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Assessment Hub. This facility serves as a therapeutic, safe, and welcoming environment designed specifically for residents of Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering who are over the age of 18.
Clinical Purpose and Emergency Diversion
The ICAH is strategically positioned to act as an emergency department diversion. Many individuals in mental health crisis instinctively go to a hospital A&E (Emergency Department). The Hub reduces the burden on acute medical facilities by providing a specialized environment for psychiatric assessment. It is specifically aligned with psychiatric liaison teams across three major local hospitals: - King George Hospital - Queens Hospital - Whipps Cross Hospital
By integrating with these trusts, the Hub manages all out-of-hours liaison activity, ensuring a seamless transition between hospital-based care and community-based crisis resolution.
Access Pathways to the Hub
The Hub is designed for maximum accessibility, allowing entry through various clinical and non-clinical channels: - Walk-ins: Individuals can present themselves directly at the Hub for emergency assessment. - Telephonic Access: Direct calls for support. - Professional Referrals: Referrals originating from primary care, community services, or the local Mental Health and Wellness Teams. - Emergency Services: The Hub receives direct referrals from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and local police forces (both formal and informal). - Triage Services: Referrals via Street Triage and 111 Press 2.
Community-Based Support and Crisis Cafés
For those who are not in an acute clinical crisis but are struggling to cope or experiencing significant emotional distress, "Crisis Cafés" and "Recovery Hubs" provide a lower-barrier entry point to support. These are non-clinical, inclusive spaces where no appointment is necessary.
Localized Support Spaces
The region offers several "drop-in" style environments that prioritize psychological safety and peer support:
| Facility | Location/Coverage | Target Audience | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havering Reset Hub | Havering | Adults 18+ | Free support, no appointment needed, inclusive space. |
| Listening Lounge | Barking & Dagenham | Residents in distress | Safe, welcoming space for emotional distress. |
| Redbridge Recovery Hub | Redbridge | Adults 18+ | Free mental health support and resources. |
| Stratford Advice Arcade | Stratford (E15 1HP) | Adults 18+ | Evening and weekend walk-in help. |
The Stratford Advice Arcade is particularly valuable for those who cannot access support during standard business hours, offering services from 5 pm to 9 pm on weekdays and 3 pm to 9 pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Teams
Beyond immediate crisis stabilization, the Havering Mental Health and Wellness Teams provide a comprehensive framework for adults aged 18 to 65. These teams address the spectrum of mental health difficulties, from significant clinical challenges to those requiring adult social care interventions.
Team Structure and Expertise
The service is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach, ensuring that the biological, psychological, and social needs of the patient are met. The teams include: - Psychiatrists and Consultant Psychiatrists - Nurses and Social Workers - Occupational Therapists - Support Workers and Peer Workers - Employment Specialists
Geographical Coverage and Contact Details
Havering is divided into three primary sectors to ensure localized care. Residents can access these teams via self-referral or referrals from GPs, family members, and other professionals.
North Mental Health and Wellness Team
- Address: 137-145 Church Road, RM3 0SH
- Contact: 0300 555 1083 (Option 2)
- Email: [email protected]
South Mental Health and Wellness Team
- Address: OASIS House, 28-30 Gubbins Lane, RM3 0QA
- Contact: 0300 555 1083 (Option 2)
- Email: [email protected]
General referrals for all Havering teams can be sent to [email protected].
Specialized and Third-Sector Support Systems
Recognizing that not every individual fits within a standard clinical model, a variety of charitable and specialized organizations provide targeted support. These services often fill the gaps in statutory care, offering counseling, residential support, and identity-specific therapy.
Youth and Young Adult Support
For individuals under 25, The Mix provides a comprehensive suite of services to help them navigate their situation and find further organizational help. - Telephone: 0808 808 4994 - Crisis Texting: Text THEMIX to 85258 (24/7) - Digital Access: Webchat and email options available via their website.
High-Acuity Residential Support
Maytree provides a unique and critical service for adults over 18 who are in a suicidal crisis. Unlike a clinical ward, Maytree offers a residential service where individuals can stay for a four-night, five-day period to talk openly about their suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment.
Specialized Therapeutic Services
Various organizations provide low-cost or free psychological interventions based on specific needs: - The Refugee Therapy Centre: Focuses on refugees and asylum seekers, particularly children and families dealing with adjustment issues. - Mind: Local Mind branches provide a wide array of services, including crisis helplines, supported housing, and counseling. - Re-vision: Offers short and long-term counseling specifically for those who are low-paid, unwaged, or receiving benefits.
Summary of Crisis Intervention Pathways
The following table summarizes the appropriate path to take based on the level of urgency and the specific needs of the individual.
| Urgency Level | Recommended Action | Service Provider | Access Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Danger | Emergency Services | 999 | Call 999 |
| Urgent Mental Health Need | Crisis Line | Mental Health Direct / 111 | 0300 555 1000 / 111 (Opt 2) |
| Acute Psychiatric Distress | Emergency Assessment | ICAH Hub | Walk-in / Referral / LAS / Police |
| Moderate Distress | Safe Space / Drop-in | Reset Hub / Listening Lounge | Walk-in |
| Long-term Support | MDT Care | Wellness Teams | GP / Self-Referral |
| Youth Specific (U25) | Youth Support | The Mix | 0808 808 4994 / Text |
| Suicidal Crisis (Residential) | Residential Support | Maytree | Application/Referral |
Supporting Someone in Crisis: Guidelines and Strategies
When supporting a person experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, the approach should be grounded in empathy, safety, and professional redirection.
Identifying Signs of Crisis
Caregivers and friends should be alert to behavioral changes, expressions of hopelessness, or direct mentions of self-harm. In these instances, the primary role of the supporter is to act as a bridge to professional help.
Practical Steps for Support
- Encourage the use of crisis lines: Guide the person to call 111 (Option 2) or Mental Health Direct.
- Facilitate professional contact: Help the individual reach out to their GP or a Mental Health and Wellness Team.
- Utilize text-based support: If the person is unable to speak on the phone, services like Shout (text 85258) provide an immediate, discreet way to access crisis support.
- Escort to a Hub: If the person is stable enough to travel but needs immediate assessment, escorting them to the ICAH Hub or a Crisis Café provides a safe environment for professional intervention.
Conclusion
The mental health infrastructure serving Romford and the wider Havering area is designed to be redundant and accessible, ensuring that regardless of the point of entry—whether it be a police referral, a walk-in at a café, or a call to a 24/7 helpline—the individual is directed toward the appropriate level of care. From the high-acuity diversion capabilities of the ICAH Hub to the specialized residential care provided by Maytree and the multidisciplinary support of the Wellness Teams, the system provides a continuum of care that addresses both the immediate crisis and the long-term recovery of the individual.