Together Cafes – The Alternative to A&E for Mental Health Needs
The Tower Hamlets and Newham Together Cafes are a community-based initiative aimed at providing support and assistance to residents in a self-defined mental health crisis at evenings and weekends. The Cafe provides a welcoming and comfortable environment where individuals can receive care and support from trained support workers, peer support workers and healthcare professionals.
Accident & Emergency
Going to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially for those with mental health concerns. A&E is designed to handle emergency situations, such as serious injuries or life-threatening conditions, and as a result, waiting times can be long, and the environment can be chaotic. For those in mental health crisis, there is an alternative.
“The Together Cafe offers a more relaxed and personalized approach to healthcare. Visitors can receive care in a quiet and calming environment, where they can take the time to discuss their concerns with a trained volunteer or healthcare professional.”
Melanie King, Tower Hamlets Crisis Pathway Service Manager
“The Cafe provides a wide range of services, including basic health assessments, advice on managing long-term health conditions, and support for mental health and wellbeing.”
Helping to reduce the pressure on A&E
Additionally, by visiting the Together Cafes, individuals can help reduce the demand on the A&E. This not only benefits the wider community, but it also ensures that individuals receive the care and support they need in a timely and effective manner.
With its welcoming environment, personalized approach, and wide range of services, the Cafe offers a more relaxed and effective way to manage people’s mental health.
For more information about the crisis alternative provision in your area, please see the information below:
NAME | ADDRESS | OPENING TIMES | MANAGED BY |
Newham Together Cafe | Rokeby Centre, Rokeby Community Hub, 63 Rokeby Street, London, E15 3LS Phone: 08081 968 710 Email: Nh.togethercafe@nhs.net | Monday to Thursday (and all Bank Holidays): 5pm - 9pm Friday to Sunday: 12pm - 9pm | Hesita/East London NHS Foundation Trust |
Tower Hamlets Together Cafe | Osmani Trust, Osmani Centre, 58 Underwood Road, E1 5AW Phone: 0808 196 2130/078 2678 0554 Email: Th.togethercafe@nhs.net | Monday to Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 12pm - 9pm | Hesita/East London NHS Foundation Trust |
Walk-in Crisis Cafe - City & Hackney | The Raybould Centre, City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health, London, E9 6SR | Open 6pm - 9pm weekdays and 12pm - 4pm at weekends | East London NHS Foundation Trust |
The Bedford Beacon | Bedford Wellbeing Centre, 3A Woburn Road, Bedford, MK40 1EG | Every Thursday 5:30pm - 9pm | East London NHS Foundation Trust |
The Lighthouse | The Lighthouse, Leighton Buzzard, Whichellos Wharf, The Elms, Stoke Road, LU7 2TD | Monday & Tuesday: 5.30-9pm Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 3pm | East London NHS Foundation Trust |
Mental Health Crisis Cafe - BLMK | Florence Ball House, Bedford Health Village, 3 Kimbolton Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2NX Phone: 01525 722225 Email: crisiscafe@mind-blmk.org.uk | Monday to Saturday: 5pm - 11pm | Mind BLMK |