Today, we’re celebrating the launch of Nook Newcastle, the North East's first mental health safe haven for children and young people!
A partnership between Everyturn and Children North East, Nook Newcastle offers mental health support to 13-17 year olds (and people aged 18 who are in further education) in Newcastle and Gateshead.
The service is based at The Beacon on Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne and offers free walk-in support from Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm-8pm. Online and telephone appointments are also available. Young people can access the service when they need it, without needing a referral from a GP or healthcare professional.
Funded by NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, this pilot will offer welcoming, non-clinical support for young people, giving them an alternative place to access support with anything that is causing them distress.
The Nook Newcastle team will also work closely with existing NHS teams, local schools, councils, and community partners to give young people the ongoing support they need.
Children and young people chose the name of the service and helped to design the space itself. They wanted it to reflect that the service is somewhere where they can take a moment, feel heard, and access the support they need.
Mandy Coppin, Head of Children and Young People’s Services at Everyturn, commented:
“Nook represents our commitment to listening to young people and creating support that meets their needs, and offers the right help at the right time, without judgement or barriers. We aim to support the young people who access our services to make sure no one struggles alone.”
Leigh Elliott, Children North East CEO said;
“Children and young people’s voices are at the heart of everything we do at Children North East, and we’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion they’ve shown in helping shape the opening of our first Safe Haven for young people’s mental health. Nook Newcastle promises to be a calm, nurturing space for young people, created by young people. Their insight has guided every decision – from the look and feel of the space to the support it offers – ensuring it truly reflects what they need and deserve.
“We are proud to stand alongside them as we open this space, and we remain committed to championing their voices as we continue to build services that put their wellbeing first.”
The service is set to open at a second location at Regent Terrace in Gateshead this summer, to extend the offer of mental health support to children and young people in the region. Find out more about Nook Newcastle.
