Oxford Safe Haven

Safe Haven (Oxford and Banbury)

Oxford and Banbury Safe Haven offer short-term additional support out of hours for people in Oxfordshire, who are over 18 and experiencing a mental health crisis.

The service is currently offering a mixed model of support (telephone, garden group work and face to face sessions).

Oxford Safe Haven: face coverings are mandatory inside, unless you are exempt from wearing a covering.

Banbury Safe Haven: face coverings are recommended but not mandatory.

Banbury and Oxford Safe Haven are open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 6pm until 10pm – if you need support please call or email ahead using following referral details (open from 5pm, last entry 9pm.)

Banbury Safe Haven phone: 01295 270004

Banbury Safe Haven email: banburysafehaven@oxfordshiremind.org.uk

Oxford Safe Haven phone: 01865 903037

Oxford Safe Haven email: oxonsafehaven@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

“This place fills the gap between Samaritans and A&E.”

Oxford Safe Haven service user

Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term additional support out of hours for people in Oxfordshire, who are over 18 and experiencing a mental health crisis.

We offer an alternative to A&E for people who don’t have urgent medical needs, and who can keep themselves safe whilst at Oxford Safe Haven. We provide a welcoming space, crisis planning support, space to be with others, a quiet room and friendly staff who are always on hand.

It’s located at the Manzil Resource Building in Oxford, and is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 6pm until 10pm – if you need support please call ahead using the referral line (open from 5pm, last entry 9pm.)

Phone: 01865 903 037
Email: oxonsafehaven@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

“Before coming here I was planning to take an overdose. I came here instead and now I am leaving, I feel less like taking an overdose and OK to go home.”

Oxford Safe Haven service user

Who is the service for?

Oxford Safe Haven is a space to support:

• Oxfordshire residents over 18 who are experiencing a mental health crisis who wish to access support, and could benefit from a supportive, non-clinical environment out of hours

• People who historically may have attended the emergency department, in the absence of other options for accessing assessment, support and safety

• People who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, but no immediate risk to themselves or others, and want to engage in safety planning.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to support you if you: 

• Are younger than 18 years, or living outside of Oxfordshire

• Present an immediate risk to themselves or others

• Are likely to be disruptive or aggressive in an informal social environment

• Need immediate medical treatment

• Are significantly intoxicated with alcohol or drugs on arrival.

“Safe Haven provides a unique service to which the emergency department can direct patients who are experiencing mental health crises without physical needs? It is especially valuable for individuals who frequently attend our department after hours, when other services are unavailable. By accessing Safe Haven in the case of future crises, they are able to get appropriate support based in the community. The opportunities provided by this service benefits patients as well as healthcare providers.”

Dr Deon Louw, Locum Consultant in Emergency Medicine Emergency Department Lead for Mental Health, JR Hospital