In March 2020, NHS England announced new funding to be made available to local areas to strengthen mental health crisis teams and to provide new alternative forms of provision such as crisis cafes and safe havens. Through the CCG engagement work residents of Sheffield have told us they want an alternative to traditional clinical places to attend in non life threatening crisis situations.

Crisis Café Lot 1 :

• The crisis café will deliver crisis support to those experiencing a mental health crisis.

• The café will allow access without prior arrangement of wait in a safe environment.

• A ‘hot drink’, a ‘listening ear’, practical support or help to access specialist mental health services (if required) will be provided.

• We expect the café to be staffed by people with experience, knowledge and expertise in mental health.

• The café is anticipated to operate 7 days per week opening (as a minimum) between 6pm and 12am (the provider will be expected to evaluate and refine opening times after the first 12 months to align to informed levels of demand)

Wellbeing Ambassadors (non-clinical) (Lot 2):

• The Wellbeing Ambassadors will support people who are being seen in the hospital Emergency Department or will help people to access the Crisis Café.

• The ambassadors may also provide support to individuals who are on waiting lists or awaiting a decision over their mental health and ongoing treatment/interventions.