Informal, friendly, practical help…North Tyneside's mental health safe haven formally launched

It's already helped 200 people in just two months – and now our region's newest mental health safe haven has celebrated with an official launch event.

Based at Wallsend High Street, The Anchorage is operated by the charity Everyturn Mental Health, offering emotional and practical support for people who are in mental health crisis but don’t need clinical support. The Safe Havens provide an alternative to NHS crisis teams, A&E, the police, and other services.

The Anchorage is the third in a series, following the Northumberland and Newcastle safe havens which launched in 2024, and is funded by North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB). 

It's on the corner of Park Road and Wallsend High Street and opens 2pm-10pm, 365 days a year. People can drop in for support during those open hours, and referrals are also accepted from healthcare professionals and crisis teams. 

Levi Buckley, the ICB's Chief Delivery Officer, said: "It's brilliant to see Everyturn already helping so many people here in North Tyneside. We have good mental health services in the region but the Anchorage can offer something different – informal, friendly, practical help without an appointment, in a landmark location right in the heart of Wallsend.

"Mental health doesn't work to a timetable or appointment schedule – we need help when we need help. So many things affect the way we feel - relationships, housing problems, money worries, alcohol or drugs. Here at the Anchorage you can walk in for not just a listening ear, but trained staff who can help you find help for something that's causing your worry or distress."

It's the latest in a string of new mental health services in the region. 111 is now established as the single number to call for mental health support, and a new crisis texting service is also in place – just text 'CALMER' to 85258 any time of day or night. Meanwhile, the NHS and local councils are working together to improve mental health support in schools in many parts of the region.

Pasha Tanriverdi, Strategy & Development Director at Everyturn Mental Health, said: “We’re proud that the Anchorage has already supported so many local people with their mental health in the last two months. 

“The most important thing is that people in North Tyneside are getting support when and where they need it. We’re proud to have become part of the Wallsend community and that we’re also helping to ease pressures on NHS services. 

“We hope that our continued work with our NHS partners, North Tyneside Council, local emergency services, and voluntary organisations in creating this new Safe Haven will help ensure that nobody struggles alone.” 

Like other charitable organisations across the region, Everyturn has seen a significant increase in demand and referrals to its services, as more people are struggling financially and socially. In 2024, Everyturn’s wider crisis services have supported over 18,000 people with their mental health and wellbeing, with almost 50% of people reporting financial issues as the cause of their distress.