GUELPH – HART Hub Guelph Wellington is now offering expanded crisis stabilization services.
On Sept. 22 the number of crisis stabilization beds increased from four to eight and hours of operation expanded to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The service, provided by Stonehenge Therapeutic Community, offers short-term, voluntary, non-medical residential beds to adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
In addition to the expansion of services, as of Sept. 15, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Here 24/7 walk-in crisis services are now co-located at the HART Hub (176 Wyndham St. N.)
HART HUB Guelph Wellington is a collaborative initiative to connect people in urgent need with the right support, when and where they need it.
“The services will provide a safe, supportive environment for people experiencing a crisis related to mental health and/or substance use disorder, while also connecting them to ongoing services and resources,” officials stated in a press release.
“Access to timely, compassionate crisis care can be life-changing,” stated Stonehenge CEO Kristin Kerr.
“By doubling capacity and offering round-the-clock service, we are taking a major step forward in supporting people in our community when they need it most.”
Officials say staff are committed to working alongside clients to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring the right connections are made.
Any information shared will be securely transferred to the appropriate providers to support continued care.
The service expansion and co-location of walk-in crisis response services “reflect a strong commitment to improving mental health and substance use supports, reducing strain on emergency departments and helping people stabilize and recover in a caring, non-judgmental space,” officials stated.
The crisis bed service provides:
– crisis stabilization;
– suicide and self injury assessment and safety planning;
– life skills development;
– individualized treatment planning;
– psycho-educational groups;
– nutritious meals;
– temporary supportive housing (up to 30 days);
– access to support for acute health care needs through more than 20 HART Hub partners;
– access to medication support via partnership with pharmacy;
– support in accessing the full continuum of substance use care options; and
– connection with ongoing services post-stay, based on the individual’s identified needs.
These beds will take referrals from police and hospitals in Guelph and Wellington County.
The general public and community agencies can also make referrals via HERE 24/7 (CMHA) 1-844-437-3247.
At the Here 24/7 walk-in crisis support service, staff will:
– respond to immediate needs, such as a mental health or substance use crisis;
– conduct a comprehensive assessment;
– explore short-term needs and long-term service options; and
– match individuals with available services within substance use and mental health continuum, or provide referrals to other community supports.
HERE 24/7 walk-in services will be available at the HART Hub Guelph Wellington Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30am to 6:30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am until 8pm.
In late fall and winter, hours will gradually be expanded to include Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and eventually, Sundays and statutory holidays from 10am to 3pm.
