The Sanctuary is a short-term support service to enable you to develop your own resilience, draw on your own strengths and develop your self-management techniques. It is a free service open to people aged 18+ years of age who live in Camden, or have visited mental health services in the borough.

 

You can attend the Sanctuary in person for face-to-face support at any time between 5-10:30pm. If you don't want to come in for a face-to-face meeting, you can telephone the Sanctuary team for support during opening hours or to arrange an online appointment via Zoom.

 

You can also phone the Sanctuary before opening hours and leave a message to ask for someone to call you back. It is our aim to get back to messages as soon as possible, but always within 24 hours.

 

If you exhibit behaviour that others find aggressive or violent, we may ask you to leave for a temporary period. We do not tolerate drugs or alcohol in the Sanctuary.

 

You will receive a warm and friendly welcome from one of our support workers or volunteers, who will offer you a safe space to sit as well as a hot drink.

 

If you would like, you will be given some time on your own, in a quiet and safe space. The service will also facilitate group activities such as creative writing, arts, crafts and yoga, with

the support of volunteers.

 

Once you feel you are ready, we will work with you to create your individual and personalised support and safety plans. These will include information to help you draw on your strengths and resilience in the future, and may provide details of other services, which may be able to support you.

 

Before you leave, the Sanctuary will give you information to take home which will help in the future if you find that you are unable to cope on your own again.

 

We will take your contact details if needed and provide support, advice, information and referrals or signposting to more support available within the community.