WHITEHAVEN — Construction is well underway on a new 24/7 mental health and wellbeing hub in Whitehaven’s town centre, as part of a national effort to bring early intervention services into the heart of local communities.
The hub, named Hope Haven, will be located in the former Halifax bank building on King Street. The facility is being developed with funding from NHS England and will be owned and operated by Whitehaven Community Trust for the benefit of residents across west Cumbria.
Set to open later this year, Hope Haven aims to offer around-the-clock support by uniting NHS services, local health and care providers, and third-sector organizations under one roof. The initiative is one of several pilots being launched nationwide to deliver more accessible mental health resources at the community level.
Refurbishment work on the building has already begun, with scaffolding in place and temporary signage installed to inform passers-by about the upcoming opening. Once construction is complete, permanent branding and informational materials will be added to the site.
Several organizations are collaborating to provide services at the hub, including Cumbria Health, Everyturn Mental Health, Home Group, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, iCan Wellbeing Group CIO, The Well Communities CIC, and Whitehaven Community Trust.
Despite the ongoing renovations, support services are already being offered to the public through drop-in wellbeing sessions held in temporary locations. These sessions include mental health workshops, practical support for housing and benefits, and access to healthcare professionals.
“Work is now well underway to refurbish the building on King Street which will house our wellbeing hub, ready to open it later this year,” said a spokesperson for Hope Haven. “Although the building isn’t open yet, we’re offering regular drop-in support already. This includes wellbeing workshops, ongoing mental health support, and practical help with housing, benefits, and more.”
Hope Haven staff are also helping individuals connect with one-to-one mental health support workers and general practitioners (GPs).
The hub’s opening is expected to provide a major boost to local mental health infrastructure, offering a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking help and guidance within their own community.
