A lot is written about Vanguards, about tearing up the rule books, about thinking differently and often this has sounded aspirational and not a reality.Well this is a real case of thinking differently and partnership working and is most definitely on The Blondes must visit list.
The North East Hampshire & Franham Vanguard has a fabulous way of reducing A &E attendance for those with mental health issues.
The 'Safe Haven' Cafe in Aldershot is open all year round and is an evening drop in where people can go if they need support.
It's staffed by NHS workers and third sector partners and they provide mental health crisis support - this has helped some people avoid the need for NHS care including A & E - in fact this service has helped reduce hospital admissions by a third in just seven months. Attendances at the cafe are rising every month.
Run by Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Trusts it's the partnership working across the statutory and third sectors which is innovative and crucial to its success.
You can read more about this great initiative here