Wirral’s new mental health crisis café is now open

A new mental health crisis cafe is now open to Wirral residents.

The space, called Compañeros, has been jointly developed between NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG),  Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and local organisation, the Spider Project.

Compañeros is Spanish for companion. The name was devised by the Spider Project with help from their members and aims to capture the ethos of the service, which is a welcoming, friendly, non-clinical environment.

The service is open from 1pm-10 pm, seven-days-a-week and located at 2a Price Street, Hamilton Square, CH41 6JN.

• Accessible to adults aged 18 and over
• People can access the service in a variety of ways including walk in’s or self- referrals
• Appointments are not needed
• GPs can also refer into the service
• The service is contactable on 0151 488 8135

The development of Compañeros is in line with the NHS Long Term Plan, which references ‘crisis cafes’ as a model of good practice for mental health. Evidence shows similar models elsewhere have had a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes as well as reducing pressure on acute emergency services.

The service will complement the already-existing Freephone Urgent Mental Health crisis line, provided by CWP. The crisis telephone line is open to Wirral residents of all ages, 24/7 and can be accessed by calling 0800 145 6485. The crisis line can also refer people to Compañeros when appropriate.