Psychiatrists are working side by side with experts from the mental health charity Mind in A&E to identify those in need and then divert them to one of three Safe Spaces in Hounslow, Hammersmith and Ealing.
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Liaison psychiatrist Dr Michael Yousif has been taking part in the trial since it began in January, and says that while A&E is the right place to come initially, individuals then have a route to crisis support in the community. "What needs to happen for people in that situation is they need immediate help tailored to what they need in a much calmer setting."In December 2019, Susie Heyes, who is 52, took an overdose of medication. Over the following year she made two further suicide attempts."At the time I thought everyone was better off without me. I wasn't thinking about the damage I was causing my family.""Safe Space was invaluable.
Keeley Tickner, service manager of Safe Space, has noticed more young women coming to them for support.