Innovative youth mental health service opens in West London

Two newly refurbished Victorian townhouses, will provide specialist supported accommodation for up to 12 young people aged 18-25 with mental health needs.

The two sites include generous communal spaces, landscaped gardens and separate garden annexes which will be used for therapeutic activities.

The launch comes after landmark research, published in The Guardian last year, found stark gaps between adolescent and adult mental health services, concluding that A&E departments had become an ‘accidental hub’ for young people experiencing mental crisis.

The report, funded by Wates Family Enterprise Trust, further highlighted that young people had to have attempted suicide multiple times to be admitted into in-patient mental health care.

The new Oaklands and St Kilda’s service will increase the capacity for supporting young people away from hospital settings in local communities, while reducing pressures on already stretched A&E departments.

The service will be staffed by a highly trained, specialist staff team, offering 24/7 support. Residents will benefit from expert support from NHS psychologists and specialist mental health charities.

The pioneering scheme is set to provide a national blueprint for how young people with mental health needs can access specialist support in high quality, homely environments through new supported housing models.

The project was supported by property industry charity LandAid; SEGRO; the UK Real Estate Investment Trust; Property Race Day; The Story of Christmas Appeal; and the Greater London Authority. In total, external partners provided more than £1 million in funding.

Alice Lamb, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Operations at LandAid, said:

“LandAid are thrilled to have supported the St Kilda and Oaklands Road service and look forward to seeing the positive impact that the space will have on the lives of countless young people facing homelessness across London.

“Sadly, we have seen the youth homelessness crisis worsen year on year and the need has never been greater. This is why collective and innovative action across sectors and organisations is so important.”

Neil Impiazzi, Partnership Development Director at SEGRO, said:

“At SEGRO, we believe that long-term collaboration, is critical for tackling youth homeless and helping vulnerable young people to live happy and fulfilling lives.

“Look Ahead’s innovative mental health service provides young people with the specialised support they need to thrive.”

James Aumonier, Chairman of Property Race Day said:

“The Property Race Day is delighted to have been able to support this wonderful project.  Our longstanding relationship with LandAid since the inception of our charity racing event has enabled us to support this important and much needed housing project for young people.”

For more information contact Kate Bawden, Director of Communications and Fundraising on 07581 145741 or Edward Rowe, External Communications Manager on 07753 324664.

Notes to editors

About Look Ahead:

Look Ahead provides supported housing and social care services for people who have a range of needs in local communities across London and the South East. Look Ahead’s services include integrated care, support and housing for four main groups: people with mental health needs; people living with learning disabilities and autism; young people and people with experience of care; and people with experience of homelessness and other complex needs.

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