Hestia’s Folkestone Haven expands service to provide mental health support for 16 to 18-year-olds

Hestia’s Folkestone Haven has expanded its service provision and will now provide mental health support to 16 to 18-year-olds, as well as to over 18-year-olds.

The Folkestone Haven provides free mental health support to people in the Folkestone and Hythe District, helping individuals to reduce their immediate anxiety and stress.

The service is open in the evenings, at weekends and during bank holidays, while other support services may be closed. It aims to reduce the number of people accessing A&E departments and alleviate pressure on other emergency services.

Individuals needing to access the Folkestone Haven can just turn up without an appointment. They will be greeted by a trained Recovery Worker who will offer a listening ear and tailored mental health support.

Support is available for anyone regardless of what they’re struggling with, whether it’s a long-term mental health condition, bereavement, work stress, worries about Covid-19, or otherwise. Visitors can also take part in group activities such as art workshops and creative writing groups, to increase social inclusion.

Mel Hawkes, Service Manager at the Folkestone Haven, said:

“We’re pleased that the Folkestone Haven is now open for young people aged 16 to 18, as well as for other adults in the Folkestone and Hythe district. We hope this will help more people in the local area to get the support they need. No one should suffer alone.

We know that mental health crises don’t just stop in the evenings or at the weekends. The Folkestone Haven is open at times when other services may be closed, allowing local residents to access mental health support without having to go to A&E or contact emergency services.”

The Folkestone Haven is funded by the NHS and a consortium of Kent-based Trusts, including the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.

Where to find the Folkestone Haven

Our address is: Rainbow Centre, 69 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone, CT20 2AF. Simply turn up – no appointment necessary.

Our opening times

The Folkestone Haven is open Monday to Friday, 6pm to 11pm. It is also open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, from 12pm to 11pm.

Contact us

For more information, please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone on 07827 533 871.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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