Everyturn Mental Health has launched the North East’s first physical ‘Safe Haven’ service in Northumberland.

The non-profit organisation, with support from the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and a £1million investment from NHS England, aims to provide immediate practical assistance to more than 2,000 people annually.

The facility called 'The Bothy' on Laburnum Avenue in Ashington is open from 2.00pm to 10.00pm all year round.

The centre will help reduce the load on emergency services and provide services for other voluntary, charity and social enterprise organisations.

Adam Crampsie, Everyturn’s chief executive, said: "It’s wonderful to get this project off the ground and give people in Northumberland a place of comfort and support if they are experiencing mental health distress.

"Increased pressure on support services can leave people feeling like they have nowhere to turn - that’s why we want the Safe Haven to be a beacon of hope for the community."

For more information, visit everyturn.org/crisis-support/safe-havens.