The Wellbeing Platform: Support Hub, an innovative pilot project by Together for Mental Wellbeing and partners, will launch on 6 December 2024 at Reading Station.

The initiative aims to provide a safe, welcoming space for individuals facing mental health challenges, offering compassionate support, and connecting them to ongoing services in Reading and Berkshire.

The Support Hub will help individuals access emotional support, advice, and referrals to vital resources, including housing guidance, financial advice, and mental health services. By doing so, it aims to reduce the need for emergency services while fostering a stabilising and supportive environment.

Operational details

• The pilot will run for six months, operating Friday to Sunday, 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM, times identified as high-demand periods when community and GP services are typically unavailable.
• The Hub will be based at Reading Station – Community Space (Brunel Arcade), ensuring high visibility and accessibility to the public.
• Two trained mental health professionals, plus volunteers from partner organisations will be on-site to provide advice, guidance, and wellbeing support using evidence-based intervention techniques.

Project objectives

The Wellbeing Platform: Support Hub has been developed to address mental health challenges effectively, while alleviating pressure on emergency services.

• The Hub will provide same-day emotional support and initial assessments, focusing on promoting safety and wellbeing through compassionate and calming approaches. While it is not a 24/7 service, it will offer guidance, practical assistance, and referrals to appropriate organisations for further support.
• Operating from Reading Station, the project will collaborate with station staff and the British Transport Police to support individuals who are distressed and in need of guidance. By providing immediate assistance during operating hours, the aim is to offer an accessible alternative to A&E and emergency services, helping to alleviate pressure on local resources such as the NHS and police services.
• The Hub will act as a gateway to long-term care, connecting individuals with trusted local partners, and Together for Mental Wellbeing’s own services in Reading, as well other mental health services, housing advice, and financial guidance based in Reading and Berkshire.

Partners

Together for Mental Wellbeing has worked with Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board – BHFT (NHS), Network Rail and GWR, the British Transport Police, IKEA and Tesco to bring this project to life.

It plans to refer individuals to trusted partners across various projects and services in Reading and Berkshire.

Further information

If you have any questions or would like to discuss collaboration opportunities, please contact André Silva by emailing andre-silva@together-uk.org.