A new residential crisis house called Leeds OASIS (Occupying a Space In Safety) was launched this month. The service is a short stay alternative to hospital for those experiencing mental health crisis and is run in partnership by Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service, Touchstone and Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The service will initially support visitors during the day and within the next few week guests will be able to stay overnight. Visitors will be able to use the “home”: relax in the lounge or conservatory, use the kitchen to cook or bake; and enjoy the garden. Everyone will have a daily check-in with staff, and access to support groups and a daily one-to-one emotional support session.
The service is staffed by Crisis Specialist Workers who can support the individual during their crisis to prevent further escalation and explore ways to manage future episodes of crisis. Anyone accessing the service will have an allocated worker from one of the home based treatment teams of LYPFT (IHTT/CRISS), who will be in daily contact with the individual and the OASIS team; in order to provide additional support during their stay and facilitate joined-up care.
Leeds OASIS is part of the LYPFT crisis pathway. That is, anyone already under the care of a secondary mental health team (e.g. CRISS, IHTT, CMHT, AOT, Aspire, PD Network) experiencing a period of crisis, can ask their care-coordinator to have a discussion with CRISS (Crisis Resolution and Intensive Support Service) about whether visiting Leeds OASIS would be a helpful option.
Leeds OASIS does not accept direct referrals so anyone not with one of those services should contact the Leeds Single Point of Access (SPA: 0800 183 1485) for an urgent assessment if they are experiencing a crisis, or visit Mindwell for information on other support available at www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/need-urgent-help/
For more information on the service and to have a look inside, please visit LeedsOASIS.com