The service, delivered by Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind (HFEH Mind) in partnership with the North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative led by West London NHS Trust, provides drop in and appointment-based specialist mental health support 365 days a year, with the aim of relieving pressure on local A&E departments. Circle, as it is known, has its own dedicated space at 46 South Ealing Road in Ealing, west London, an environment specially designed to create a welcoming, calm, and safe space with café facilities for local children and young people from the surrounding community.

Nana Owusu, director of children and young people’s services at HFEH Mind, said: “A&E departments are already overstretched and often not the best place for a young person in crisis who is already feeling distressed and overwhelmed. “Circle provides a much-needed safe space and immediate support for young people who reach a crisis point with their mental health.”

Dr Johan Redlinghuys, clinical director for North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative, added: “Demand for NHS mental health services continues to increase and so by putting in place a specialist hub to support young people across North West London, we hope this will reduce pressure on A&E units and set a benchmark for other similar services across the NHS.” The service has been co-designed with local young people, as well as parents, carers, and local partner agencies, including community CAMHS teams, CAMHS crisis teams, social care leads, the Metropolitan Police, local GPs, youth liaison and diversion teams, drug and alcohol services, and NHS North West London Integrated Care Board.

It has been launched as an 18-month ‘test and learn’ pilot, with continuous monitoring and evaluation and plans to roll out similar services in other locations.