Teams from Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing hubs hosted drop-in information sessions at local libraries this Mental Health Awareness Week.

The hubs in Kidlington High Street and Cowley Road, Oxford, bring mental health care direct to the community.

People can drop into the hub to get expert free NHS advice and support for their mental health.

Adults experiencing mental health challenges are able to draw on support from NHS mental health professionals, Peers Support workers who have their own experience of mental health challenges, services which help people to remain in work or find employment and third-sector mental health services, in order to thrive among friends, family and their community. The hub is also linked to their local GP surgeries.

Seven hubs were launched in Oxfordshire after people said they would like to see more specialist care available at local level via their GP surgery, and improved communication between GPs and mental health services. Hubs are already open in Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury, Bury Street, Abingdon, High Street, Kidlington and Wantage.

Verity Penfold, Team Manager for the Oxford City and North East Keystone mental health teams, said:

“We all experience ups and downs with our health and wellbeing. The hub makes it convenient for people who pop in and talk to us if they want to.

“The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Community – and that is absolutely at the heart of the Keystone hubs. We are here, at the heart of the community and part of the community, ready to help local people with their mental health when they need it.”