A new mental health hub has opened in Kidlington, adding to a network of hubs across the county.
The Keystone Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub was launched to provide frontline assistance to adults experiencing mental health challenges.
The village centre hub was officially launched by the chair of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, David Walker, in an event that involved staff members and colleagues from other organisations who contributed to the establishment.
Mr 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."
The establishment of the hub is a result of public demand for more specialist care at local level and improved communication between GPs and mental health services.
It offers support from NHS mental health professionals, peers support workers who have personally experienced mental health challenges, services that assist in employment, and support from third-sector mental health services.
Kidlington's hub joins a growing network across Oxfordshire with existing hubs in Castle Quays, Banbury, Bury Street, Abingdon, and Cowley Road in Oxford.
Another is set to open in Wantage in mid-July.
Mr Walker continued: “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."
The hub operates from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Friday and members of the public can call in for a coffee and a chat at anytime.
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, added: "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."
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