4 July 2025

Staff, volunteers and community members came together at St Charles Hospital to celebrate the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) and formally launch the new care pathways designed to improve emergency mental health support in North West London.

Hosted at the MHCAS site, the celebration featured music and art from One Community, with attendees sharing stories and reflecting on the journey so far.

Toti Freysson, Service Manager, described the event as a proud moment.

"The staff have been amazing at adapting since day one, and I feel like the luckiest manager alive. It’s a privilege to work with One Community and the British Red Cross. Volunteers even return to support us and that shows we’re doing something right. We’re just getting started and there’s so much more we can do."

The MHCAS provides urgent mental health care to people in crisis, offering a calm alternative to A&E. Since opening, the number of people coming through the door has more than doubled.

Graeme Caul, Chief Operating Officer, shared how proud he was of what the team has built.

"This isn’t just about numbers - it’s about the kindness and human connection that staff show every day. For some service users, this was the first time they felt truly listened to. We’ve created a single front door that opens access to all the right services, and the rest of the country is paying attention. This model could help shape care across the NHS."

Gareth Jarvis, Divisional Medical Director, reflected on how quickly the service came together.

"There wasn’t always a roadmap, but we built one together. What we’ve created is a safe and uplifting space that is full of hope. It’s already making a real difference and has the potential to grow even further."

Volunteers and former service users also shared what working with MHCAS means to them. Cate Latto from One Community said:

"It's beautiful how this space allows people to show up for themselves and each other. One visitor told us MHCAS brought some light into their life. That’s what this place is about."

Sia, an MHCAS Volunteer, who has been supporting the centre for over a year, said:

"We create real miracles here - through our actions, we make a real difference."