Recovery Space: Free Mental Health Crisis Support

## What is Recovery Space? Recovery Space offers a calmer alternative to A&E for people experiencing mental health distress. Open from 11am to 11pm every day, this drop-in service provides a welcoming environment where you can access peer support from people who understand what it's like to struggle with mental health. The service is part of the Croydon Health & Wellbeing Space partnership between Mind in Croydon and NHS South West London. Unlike clinical settings, Recovery Space is designed to feel comfortable and non-threatening. The focus is on helping you feel safer and more stable, with the aim of preventing escalation to crisis point. It's part of Croydon's alternative crisis care pathway, complementing the 24-hour SLaM Crisis Line. ## Who Can Use Recovery Space? Recovery Space is free and open to anyone feeling overwhelmed by their mental health. You don't need to be registered with services, have a diagnosis, or be referred by a professional. The service welcomes people experiencing anxiety, low mood, emotional distress, or anyone who feels they need support but doesn't need A&E. It's particularly valuable if you need face-to-face support outside regular office hours. ## How Do I Access Recovery Space? Simply turn up at the Croydon Health & Wellbeing Space in the Whitgift Centre (1st Floor, 1 North End, Croydon, CR0 1UY) during opening hours, 11am to 11pm, any day of the week. No appointment or referral is needed - just walk in when you need support. The service is particularly valuable during evenings and weekends when other community support may be unavailable. ## What Should I Expect? When you arrive, you'll be welcomed by peer support workers who have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. You can talk through what's happening, receive emotional support, and work together on coping strategies. If clinical support is needed, the team can help connect you with appropriate NHS services. There's no set time limit on visits - you can stay as long as you need to feel more stable.