The hub was officially opened by the Chair of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, David Walker, at a special event that brought together staff who  will be working at the site and colleagues from  other organisations who have co-collaborated. .

Adults experiencing mental health challenges are able to draw on support from the Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub – Kidlington  thanks to NHS mental health professionals and 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.

The Kidlington hub is one of a number recently launched in Oxfordshire, after people said they would like to see more specialist care available at local level  and improved communication between GPs and mental health services.

Hubs are already open in Castle Quays, Banbury, Bury Street, Abingdon, and Cowley Road, Oxford. Plans are underway for another hub to open in Wantage mid-July 2024.

David Walker said: “The Keystone hubs put mental health in the high street – literally, in opening doors in the heart of the community for all to come in and get advice. It’s a privilege to open our latest in Kidlington.

“Mental illness used to be hidden away in asylums and behind walls. The hubs symbolise a different approach, recognising mental distress as ailment to be treated openly, in the same way as physical illness.

“I would like to thank the team – including friends and colleagues from the voluntary sector and people who themselves have experience of mental illness — who have worked so hard to set up the Kidlington Keystone and all the other hubs in the county. We’re all striving to make a difference to the lives of many local people.”

Verity Penfold, Team Manager for the Oxford City and North-East mental health teams, said: “We’re so excited to be able to welcome people from the community to call in and talk to us about their wellbeing. 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.”

Julie Pink, from the Oxford Health Charity, said: “We are excited about welcoming members of the community into the Keystone Hubs as volunteers to support our activities.  Volunteering with the Hubs is a great way to support our community mental health teams and make a difference to people accessing our services.”

The Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub – Kidlington  is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

You can find out about volunteering here: How to volunteer | Oxford Health Charity