Saving lives in Somerset – an out-of-hours service on a mission

In the last year, more than three thousand people have reached out for support from Crisis Safe Space, the out of hours mental health service in Somerset.

Out of the 3118 attending Crisis Safe Space appointments, just under 45% of clients were seen in person and nearly 44% were supported on the phone. 11% chose to have an online video call.

Nearly one third of clients, 999 people, were using the service for the first time, according to figures from April 2023 to end of March 2024.

There were a number of reasons for people using the service – which covers the whole of Somerset – the most common was for people feeling suicidal. This was closely followed by clients seeking support for their anxiety.

226 clients said if Crisis Safe Space had not been there, they would have attempted suicide and a further 163 people said they would have gone to A&E if they hadn’t had the opportunity to use Crisis Safe Space.

The service is due to open a new base in Frome in early June which will allow clients from the Frome area to book onto in-person sessions.

One of the Crisis Safe Space volunteers, Matt, said:

Second Step has saved my life and the Crisis team has been here for me! I am excited to be a part of the team and feel like I am playing a part in helping and supporting others!

Robyn Butler, Community Partnerships Manager, said:

Matt’s lived experience is invaluable to the team and our clients. We’re on a mission at Crisis Safe Space to save people’s lives when they’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

Looking for volunteers

We have vacancies for volunteers in Bridgwater, Glastonbury and Frome bases for anyone interested in volunteering with us.

All our volunteers receive training and support throughout their time with us. They also have access to many other training and learning opportunities. The work is rewarding and a great way to gain experience in supporting people who are struggling with their mental health. It’s also good experience for future career goals or education.

We’re keen to work with people with lived experience – our peer volunteers are an asset to the service and the people we support.

Our volunteers are part of the Crisis Safe Space family and are able to help and support each other forming a lovely community alongside their volunteer coordinator, managers and fellow volunteers.

Volunteers can offer any amount of time that works for them – just one hour a week would be amazing, and there’s scope to do more as well. We operate seven days a week during the evening.
 
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Crisis Safe Space, please take a look at our Volunteering page get in touch with Jo on: joanne.chayter@second-step.co.uk

Crisis Safe Space in a nutshell

Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by Open Mental Health partners Mind in Somerset and Second Step for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health.

Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are being held either face-to-face or virtually depending on the location.

You can book sessions in-person sessions in Bridgwater, Frome, Glastonbury, Taunton and Yeovil or you can book an online session or talk to us on the phone. 

Booking a session

You can book a session by calling Mindline Somerset on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.  Or you can book a session at: Crisis Safe Space – Open Mental Health

Cover image by Fábio Ribeiro on Pexels.