The NHS has unveiled the Keystone hub, a brand-new community-focused mental health center, conveniently located near Sainsbury’s on Limborough Street in Wantage. This facility is designed to support residents of Wantage, Didcot, and Faringdon, and was established with input from the public, spearheaded by Leith Greig-Connor.
Hub Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony saw appearances from Wantage Mayor Dr. Angela Dunford, trust chair David Walker, and Wantage clinical lead Karlie Spice. “We are so pleased to open our doors to the local community and excited to share what support we can offer,” said Spice. “The Keystone hubs are all about bringing mental health support and awareness to the heart of communities, with quick access to help when and where people need it the most.”
Leith Greig-Connor, a key advocate from the Our Voice group, helped inaugurate the hub and celebrated its collaborative origins. “Hundreds of ‘Experts by Experience’ played a part in shaping these hubs,” she said.
The Purpose and Vision of The Keystone Hubs
Greig-Connor emphasized the importance of accessibility in mental health care. “Hubs on the high street are a clear sign that taking care of mental health is nothing to shun or feel embarrassed about. Everyone’s mental health matters, and securing the right help is crucial,” she commented.
Designed collaboratively by individuals with lived experiences and mental health professionals, the Keystone hubs aim to address gaps in the transition between primary and secondary mental health services. They stand as a response to calls for dynamic, responsive, and accessible support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
Hub Services
Open to adults encountering mental health difficulties, the Keystone hub offers a wide range of resources. Services are provided by NHS mental health professionals, Peer Support workers, and a variety of third-sector organizations. These include support for mental health care, leisure and socializing, accommodation advice, financial assistance, employment, training, and education opportunities. Additionally, some members of the Our Voice group have secured paid roles as Peer Support Workers at the hub, offering firsthand insights and assistance.
Operating Hours
The hub is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, extending a welcoming hand to anyone seeking emotional or mental health support. This initiative underscores the commitment of the local community to ensure mental health resources are easily accessible to all.
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