Opening the door to mental health support proves lifesaver
AMENTAL health and wellbeing hub is offering people access to immediate mental health and wellbeing support tailored to individual needs.
Open Door, which is located centrally in Stockport town centre, is an NHS-commissioned service which first opened in April 2020.
The centre provides face-to-face appointments, walk-ins or a safe space for anyone aged 18 or over and has become a vital lifeline for the community.
Gemma Durham, recovery worker at Open Door said: “We are constantly busy and there is never a day where someone doesn’t walk in or ring.
“People find it hard to find the right support due to the strains on the NHS and covid.
“Waiting times are such a massive strain on people and some have been waiting for up to a year for counselling.
“We call Open Door a safe haven because it has saved people’s lives.
“People have had to wait such long hours in A&E and give up and have nowhere to turn.
“Many people have said that they wouldn’t have known where to turn to if it wasn’t for Open Door.
“I love the fact that I can support people with their mental health crisis and that I can be a part of helping them.”
Open Door is run by Making Space which runs many services across the North West.
Support offered includes signposting people to other services, emotional support, structured guided self-help, art therapy groups, a space for support groups, IAPT approved computerised CBT programmes and action plans.
A formal mental health diagnosis, a referral or an appointment is not required to access their services.
Members of staff have a wide range of experience in the mental health sector and can assist with any form of mental health issues such as stress related to housing and finance and anxiety and depression.
The organisation works with Stepping Hill Hospital’s access team, Healthy Minds and has links with
GPs in the Stockport area.
There is also a 24/7 helpline which provides emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open Door is located at 72-74 Prince’s Street
Stockport, Greater Manchester SK1 1RJ
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm and weekends from 12.008.00pm.
For help contact Open Door on 0161 5499 717 or email opendoorstockport@makingspace.co.uk
You can phone the 24/7 crisis line on 0800 138 7276