A NEW service offering a late-night safe space for people experiencing mental health crisis has opened in Oxfordshire.

Banbury Safe Haven will offer additional out-of-hours support for adults living with mental illness in the north of the county four days a week.

The service has been launched by the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, made up for the county's NHS mental health trust and a number of charities. It also runs the Oxford Safe Haven in East Oxford.

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Lesley Dewhurst, chair of the partnership, said: "I am so pleased to see this new service getting off the ground. We've known for some time how needed it is in Banbury, and have seen how well the Oxford Safe Haven has been received.

"The Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership really tries to plug gaps in services - and this is one that desperately needs filling. I commend all involved in delivering a splendid result."

Banbury Safe Haven, in Brittania Road, will open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 6pm to 10pm. It is not a drop-in service and so people who want to visit must self-refer on the night by calling in advance.

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Friends and family members can also call on their behalf or they can be referred by health professionals and emergency services.

Space may not be available if people arrive without calling ahead.

The referral line will be open from 5pm on the day of service, with last entry at 9pm.

To self-refer ring 01295 270004 or 07851246546.

Oxford Safe Haven opened in December 2018 and is based in Manzil Way, just off Cowley Road.