Waltham Forest Beacon out-of-hours mental health hub opens

The Waltham Forest Beacon, launched through a partnership between North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and charity Hestia, provides face-to-face mental health support for adults in Waltham Forest and operates every day of the year.

Open from 5.30pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays, the centre is designed for adults aged 18 and over who need support outside normal working hours.

Jamie Stafford, integrated care director for Waltham Forest at NELFT, said: "We know that many people need support with their mental health outside of traditional office hours.

"Waltham Forest Beacon offers a welcoming and supportive space where adults can access help, talk to someone, and receive compassionate support, closer to home. Please don’t wait to access support, please just come and see how we can help.

"The service has been developed collaboratively with service users and partners, helping ensure it feels accessible, inclusive and responsive to local need."

The Beacon is part of a wider network of community-based mental health hubs across north east London. The team includes staff with lived experience of mental health issues, ensuring the service is empathetic and person-centred.

Support at the Beacon is rooted in the principles of relational care, emphasising trust, listening, and human connection.

Josef Hole, service manager at the Waltham Forest Beacon, Hestia, said: "Our teams are passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where people feel listened to and understood."

The service aims to be a safe and welcoming space for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress or require mental health help outside of standard office hours. Residents can simply drop in during opening hours to receive immediate support from the team.

More information is available at Waltham Forest Beacon Mental Health Drop-in Support.