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Whether you’re feeling distressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or even if things are just a little too much for you right now, Kent and Medway Safe Havens offer free out-of-hours mental health support in a safe, non-judgemental space.

The Kent and Medway Safe Havens offer a welcoming, comfortable, and non-clinical environment, which are often referred to as ‘crisis cafes’.

Here you can come in just for a chat to relax and feel less isolated, or to access one-to-one emotional support from trained mental health professionals and speak freely about what is going on for you.

The team will be able to provide information and support if you are in a crisis or feel you are heading towards a crisis and signpost you to a suitable service for further advice.

Safe Havens can also help in creating staying well and crisis plans along with supporting any visitors who may need access to other services and organisations within the community.

The drop-in service is located throughout Kent; with Safe Havens available in Canterbury, Medway, Thanet, and Maidstone to anyone aged 16 and over.

The Safe Haven team work very closely with GPs, Community Mental Health Teams, Crisis Teams, A&E Mental Health Liaison Teams, Police and Ambulance Services, Street Triage, as well as other front-line healthcare professionals to ensure that anyone in emotional distress has a safe, supportive place to go, along with having the appropriate mental health support available.

There’s no need to be referred by a GP to attend a Safe Haven, and each location is open every night for face-to-face conversations or virtual support between 6 and 11pm (including bank holidays); when other support services may be closed.

Even when The Haven is closed, individuals will also be supported by a 24/7 helpline, offering access to emotional support and information for anyone in need.

You must be aged 16 and over to access the service and it is important to know the Haven is not suitable for people needing urgent medical attention. For urgent medical care please attend your nearest A&E or call 999.

Visit MHM.org.uk/kentsafehavens to find the number for your area and for more information or questions you may have.