• The Need for Safe Havens for Teenagers
• What Will the Safe Havens Provide?
• Why Are These Safe Havens Important for Young People?
• The Impact of Mental Health Struggles on Teenagers
• How the Safe Havens Will Operate
• The Role of Local Communities and Organisations
• Looking Ahead: The Future of Mental Health Support for Young People
In early 2026, Newcastle and Gateshead will welcome new mental health "safe havens" designed specifically for teenagers. These centres, run by the charities Everyturn Mental Health and Children North East, will provide vital support to young people aged 13 to 18, offering round-the-clock assistance for those struggling with mental health challenges. The initiative, funded by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) for two years, aims to fill a crucial gap in mental health services by offering immediate help to teenagers without the need for referrals or appointments. The new hubs will ensure that young people have access to support when they need it most, no matter the time of day or year.
The Need for Safe Havens for Teenagers
Teenage years can be a challenging time, filled with emotional, social, and psychological pressures. Mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm, are increasingly common among young people. Statistics reveal that one in five young people faces mental health challenges, and with suicide rates in the North East being among the highest recorded since 1999, there is a clear and urgent need for more accessible mental health services. In response to this crisis, the new safe havens will provide a much-needed resource for teenagers who may not otherwise have access to timely help.
These centres will offer a safe and supportive environment where young people can seek assistance without the barriers of waiting lists or needing a formal referral. The initiative acknowledges that mental health issues don't follow a set schedule and that support should be available whenever it is needed. By offering services 365 days a year, the safe havens aim to provide continuous care for teenagers in need.
What Will the Safe Havens Provide?
The safe havens in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a lifeline for young people seeking support. The centres will provide a range of services, including face-to-face consultations, virtual appointments, and phone support. All services will be completely free, and there will be no requirement for a referral from a healthcare professional. This open-access model ensures that young people can seek help without any formal barriers.
Furthermore, the hubs will operate around the clock, meaning that whether it's in the middle of the night or on a holiday, teenagers can find someone to talk to and receive the support they need. This constant availability of care is designed to address the reality that mental health crises do not occur on a predictable timetable.
Why Are These Safe Havens Important for Young People?
The importance of these safe havens cannot be overstated. Many teenagers experiencing mental health issues often face difficulties in reaching out for help. Stigma, lack of awareness, and long waiting times for existing services can all deter young people from seeking support. The safe havens aim to eliminate these barriers by providing a non-judgmental, easily accessible environment for teenagers to discuss their mental health and receive support from trained professionals.
In addition to direct mental health support, these centres will also provide valuable resources to help young people develop coping strategies, resilience, and self-care techniques. By empowering young people to take control of their mental health, the safe havens seek to foster a sense of confidence and well-being that extends beyond their visits.
The Impact of Mental Health Struggles on Teenagers
Mental health challenges among teenagers are a growing concern. According to the ICB, one in five young people struggles with their mental health, with common issues including depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. The mental health crisis is exacerbated by societal pressures, academic stress, and the impact of social media, which can lead to feelings of isolation, insecurity, and hopelessness.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the North East, and the region has consistently reported some of the highest suicide rates in the country since 1999. These statistics highlight the urgent need for services that can intervene early and provide young people with the support they need to cope with mental health issues before they escalate.
The new safe havens are poised to make a significant impact in this area. By offering immediate, accessible, and non-judgmental support, the hubs will help prevent mental health struggles from developing into more serious crises. They will also provide young people with the tools and resources to navigate the pressures of adolescence in a healthy way.
How the Safe Havens Will Operate
The ICB is partnering with Everyturn Mental Health and Children North East to create these safe havens, which will be strategically located in Newcastle and Gateshead. The initiative will be funded for an initial two years, and the success of the programme will be evaluated in terms of its impact on young people's mental health and overall well-being.
The hubs will be open every day of the year, offering flexible access to support. Teenagers will be able to walk in, call, or book virtual appointments with mental health professionals. This round-the-clock access to care is a vital part of the programme, ensuring that teenagers can seek help when they need it most, whether during a crisis or simply when they need someone to talk to.
The safe havens will also collaborate closely with local NHS services, schools, voluntary organisations, and local authorities to ensure that young people receive comprehensive care. By building strong links with these existing services, the safe havens aim to create an integrated network of support for young people throughout the region.
The Role of Local Communities and Organisations
Local communities, schools, and voluntary organisations will play a crucial role in the success of the safe havens. These groups will be encouraged to work together to raise awareness of the new services and to help young people access the care they need. By building a strong network of support, the safe havens aim to create a culture of understanding and empathy around mental health issues.
In addition to offering professional mental health services, the safe havens will also be a place where young people can feel heard and understood. Everyturn Mental Health and Children North East have stressed the importance of empowering young people to have a voice in shaping the services they receive. By involving young people in the planning and development of these services, the hubs will ensure that the support provided meets their needs in a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mental Health Support for Young People
The opening of these safe havens marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis among young people in the North East. However, this is just the beginning. Over time, there is potential for this model of care to be expanded to other areas, ensuring that more teenagers across the UK can benefit from immediate, accessible mental health support.
The success of the safe havens will also provide valuable insights into how mental health services can be improved and made more accessible for young people. As the programme evolves, it will continue to adapt to the changing needs of teenagers, ensuring that they always have somewhere to turn when they need help.
The new mental health safe havens in Newcastle and Gateshead offer a vital resource for teenagers in the North East. With round-the-clock access to support, these hubs will provide a safe space for young people to seek help without the need for a referral or appointment. By working closely with local organisations and empowering young people to take control of their mental health, the safe havens are poised to make a significant positive impact on the mental health of teenagers in the region.