The Sanctuary is a project of self-help services. It opened in September 2013 to provide a 24-hour service to adults who have depression, anxiety or panic attacks and feel they are reaching crisis point. People who access the Sanctuary are often struggling with suicidal thoughts, have difficulty coping with life events and have thoughts of self-harm. Support is provided over the telephone, or people can visit the Sanctuary for face-to-face contact. The service offers 24-hour support through the crisis support line, which is open during the day between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., while a physical location of safety and support is offered from 8.00 p.m. until 6.00 a.m.
Co-Production
From start: No
During process: Yes
In evaluation: Yes
Evaluation
Peer: Yes
Academic: Yes
PP Collaborative: Yes
Find out more
Joanne Harding, Community Services Manager at Self-Help Services
The Sanctuary is a project of self-help services. It opened in September 2013 to provide a 24-hour service to adults who have depression, anxiety or panic attacks and feel they are reaching crisis point. People who access the Sanctuary are often struggling with suicidal thoughts, have difficulty coping with life events and have thoughts of self-harm. Support is provided over the telephone, or people can visit the Sanctuary for face-to-face contact. The service offers 24-hour support through the crisis support line, which is open during the day between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., while a physical location of safety and support is offered from 8.00 p.m. until 6.00 a.m. There are now three Sanctuary services across Greater Manchester. The Sanctuary often provides pre-crisis or preventative support that can reduce the inappropriate use of the ED, police or ambulance services. GPs and other referral agencies can signpost people to the Sanctuary for low-level support if they have concerns about a person’s mental state. The Sanctuary does not provide beds for people to stay overnight but does offer appropriate support for as long as they wish between 8.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.; length of stay will vary according to individual needs.
Staff at the Sanctuary offer self-help guidance and tools to support people to manage thoughts of self-harm, low mood and anxiety. Staff also work with people who use their services to create a brief ‘recovery plan’. Staff provide follow-up phone calls for a few days after creation of the recovery plan to check how the person is coping and, if necessary, offer additional support to access further help. Additional support may include referrals to day-time services, if necessary.
The Sanctuary 24-7 Crisis Line. Tel: 0300 003 7029
