A SERVICE which provides urgent support to people suffering a mental health crisis has celebrated its first anniversary.

Since its launch, Haven has helped hundreds of people from across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

A special breakfast event was held to mark the milestone.

Haven, which is accessed through Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust's first response service, provides people who are mentally distressed with an alternative to visiting A&E.

The centre is open daily between 10am and 6pm.

The initiative is spearheaded by the care trust, mental health charity The Cellar Trust and Bradford Council.

Simon Long, interim deputy director of mental health acute and community services at the trust, said: "The reaction to Haven has been really positive and people accessing the service have credited it with helping to give them the coping skills needed to manage crises more confidently in the future.

"We would like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to the service, and ensuring people in crisis get the help they need.

"Partnership working has been key to the success of caring for people locally with acute mental health needs."

Haven – based at The Celler Trust in Shipley – offers one-to-one, group and telephone support.

Kim Shutler-Jones, chief executive of The Cellar Trust, said: "We feel very lucky to be able to offer a service like Haven – which recognises that when you are feeling mentally distressed, a clinical approach isn't always what you need.

"Being able to create a calm, safe space for people where they feel understood and listened to has been brilliant and we have been blown away by the feedback."

Among those who helped shape the venture was care trust governor, Nick Smith.

He experienced his own struggles with mental health.

Mr Smith features in a new video, sharing his views on Haven and how the service is helping people.

"When they said they wanted to set up a service for people in a crisis and that they wouldn't need to go to A&E – because that's where you usually go – I thought it was a brilliant idea," he said.

Visit bdct.nhs.uk for more details.

People in crisis can get in touch with Haven by calling 01274 221181.