Wantage, UK – The new Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub has officially opened its doors on Limborough Road, marking a significant step forward in community-based mental health care.
The hub was inaugurated by Leith Greig-Connor, an “Expert by Experience” who has been instrumental in the co-creation of the hubs, representing all the community members involved. She was accompanied by Wantage Mayor Dr. Angela Dunford and Oxford Health Trust Chair David Walker.
Leith Greig-Connor is a member of the Our Voice group, a collective of individuals who use or have used Oxford Health mental health services. This group has played a critical role in the development of the Keystone hubs over the past three years, providing valuable feedback and ideas to shape the services.
Our Voice emerged from a desire to influence mental health services positively, identifying challenges faced by individuals transitioning between GP and secondary mental health services. The group’s feedback highlighted the need for dynamic, responsive, and easily accessible support during mental health downturns, as well as comprehensive support for various life aspects affected by mental health issues. This insight led to the creation of the Keystone hubs.
Adults experiencing mental health challenges can now access support at the Keystone hub through NHS mental health professionals, Peer Support workers with personal experience of mental health challenges, and third-sector mental health services. The hub is also connected to local GPs and offers assistance with leisure, socializing, accommodation, finances, employment, training, and education.
The name “Keystone” was suggested by Our Voice members. A keystone is the central stone in an arch, holding the structure together. Similarly, the Keystone hub aims to be the central pillar of local mental health and wellbeing care.
“I feel very proud to be opening the Wantage hub on behalf of all the Experts by Experience involved with developing the Keystone hubs,” said Leith Greig-Connor. “As Our Voice members, we hope the hubs will promote the accessibility of mental health care. Seeing hubs on the high street shows that looking after your mental health is nothing to hide or feel ashamed of. Everyone’s mental health matters, and getting the help we need is so important.”
Some Our Voice members have transitioned to permanent paid roles as Peer Support Workers at the hub, ready to welcome and support individuals going through similar experiences. A regular men’s group is among the upcoming activities planned for the hub.
Wantage clinical lead Karlie Spice expressed enthusiasm for the new hub, stating, “We are so pleased to open our doors to the local community and excited to share what support we can offer. The Keystone hubs are all about bringing mental health support and awareness to the heart of communities, providing quick access to help when and where people need it the most. I’m really looking forward to people popping in and being able to help people when they really need it.”
The new Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub aims to make mental health support more accessible and integrated into the community, reinforcing that mental health care is essential and available for everyone.
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