The principal aim of the webinar was to explain that the borough’s mental health crisis telephone line is there for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, is available 24 hours a day every day of the year, and is free to access.
The number to call is 0800 073 0003
Crucially, anyone who lives, works or studies in Tower Hamlets can access the Crisis Pathway Service.
No one who calls is turned away – callers themselves decide on what they judge to be a mental health crisis.
If people think they need mental health advice, support or help – the service is there for them.
Melanie King, Tower Hamlets Crisis Service Pathway Manager, hosted the webinar.
She described how people in crisis can self refer, they don’t need to consult a doctor or other medical professional to get help.
People can call the Freephone line service and simply describe the situation they are in.
Callers can also ask to be seen face to face for an assessment by the service if they decide they want it.
Melanie described how staff can then make an arrangement for someone from the service to see the caller at a mutually appropriate place.
The service will arrange for the Home Treatment Team to see the caller within 24 hours.
An interpreting service is also available – both via the crisis phone line or in person but this will take a short time to organise.
Melanie also described the role of the borough’s crisis café, managed by the charity Hestia with support from the Crisis Pathway Service.
It is called the Together Cafe can be found here.
People attending the webinar asked a range of questions .
Melanie explained that some people don't want to give their personal details, which is fine, but sometimes, to ensure that the caller gets the right help they need, these details might be needed
The Crisis Line does not share personal details with any other third parties, except in an emergency with emergency services and medical colleagues. In other cases, peoples’ permission has to be granted.
Someone asked Melanie, “What defines a mental health crisis?”
She explained how this is something the caller defines themselves.
It is about how the caller is feeling and coping. It is purely subjective and no ‘expert’ can define what it feels like for someone else.
Melanie explained how situations that trigger a mental health crisis can include stress at home, exposure to trauma or violence, stress at work, home or in the wider environment.
The unexpected can make a reaction to a crisis more intense.
She went on to say that if someone should feel overwhelmed, are not able to cope, feel as if they might be a danger to themselves or others, or are hearing or seeing things that others can’t – then they can walk to the cafe or call the phone line.
Melanie explained how her staff are all very experienced and work together as a team.
Melanie described how anyone can be affected by a mental health crisis at any time in our lives. She used the ‘stress bucket model’ to visually show how we can respond to the pressures of life, and that no-one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about reaching out for professional support when they need it.
The Hestia Café is located at the Osmani Centre opposite he Royal London Hospital. It is open 5pm - 9pm weekdays and 12 - 9pm weekends and bank holidays.
It is a walk in service during those hours.
Other mental health support available in Tower Hamlets includes the Bromley By Bow Centre. For free fitness classes for sociability and exercise, visit Our Parks . The Listening Place supports people who experience thoughts of self-harm and you can find it here.
Crisis Skylight is primarily for people who are homeless or likely to be made homeless. They have a café in the borough and a walk in service. For opening times and availability visit their website here:
Mind in Tower Hamlets can also offer a range of support services. Find it here.
Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies is for people who are experiencing common mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It is not a crisis service and there will be a waiting list to be seen.
For mental health crisis services, and links to other Talking Therapy services across the boroughs that ELFT serves (Newham, City & Hackney, Bedfordshire & Lution) visit our Get Help In An Emergency page here.
Reflecting on the Crisis Pathway webinar, Day Njovana, Borough Director for Tower Hamlets Mental Health Services said:
“The Tower Hamlets Crisis Pathway Service is an essential service, there to support people in crisis 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“If you are experiencing a crisis, the sooner you reach out to get help, the more likely you are to make a faster recovery.
“Please trust in our excellent staff to support you.”