The vehicle, which provides non-clinical, community-based support in the evening when most other options are closed, set up in the car park on four Thursdays across May, June and July - during which it received the highest number of service users since it started in July 2024.
Figures showed in the quarter covered by the visits, there was a 250% increase in the number of face-to-face contacts with service users, and double the number of overall contacts. In May and June, in addition to those who were individually supported by practitioners, 35 people approached the wellbeing vehicle for more information, with some subsequently contacting the Safe Haven Team.
The project was such a success that four more dates are already being planned - with the mobile Safe Haven returning to McDonald’s on Thursday, 31st July, Thursday, 14th August, Thursday, 28th August and Thursday 11th September - all from 6pm to 10.30pm.
People Arches Ltd founder Dawood Ibtehsam said: “We’re over the moon that our vision for the partnership with Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind has become a reality and has proven to have helped people who needed it most, as well as to raise awareness for the service.
“Community is at the heart of what we do at People Arches and the fact that we have provided a safe place for people to seek support is exactly the kind of thing we want to do to give back. We’re looking forward to continuing the project and exploring other ways we can help the community in Warwick.”
Sam Starling, Safe Haven Service Manager from Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be able to support those people in Warwick who have taken the brave step to reach out. Some have shared tears of relief, others have promised to spread the word and we’ve already had people return after an initial visit to say ‘I’ve been working on what we discussed and I am already starting to feel better, so thank you’ .”
Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind said despite some concerns that people might not want to come to seek help in such a public space, the opposite had been the case, with a familiar location removing anxiety around seeking help.
“This is a location they can already picture in their minds, with no anxiety around walking into a mental health building,” added Sam. “It’s easy to park, they don’t have to explain to friends or family members where they’re going, they can simply say, ‘I’m popping to McDonalds’ or ‘I’m just going to the supermarket’.
“Our Safe Haven team has created a safe, non-judgmental environment even in the middle of a busy car park! We have not only supported members of our local community to access support for their friends and family but also to check in with themselves, acknowledging the impact of supporting others and encouraging them to explore ways they can prioritise their own wellbeing and build resilience.”
