Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Mental Health Crisis Support in Leeds
Established in 1999, our organisation was founded by mental health service users seeking an alternative to clinical crisis environments. We provide compassionate, person-centred support through Dial House, a historic 18th-century building in East Leeds, and outreach services. Our survivor-led ethos ensures all staff and volunteers have lived experience of mental health challenges, informing our non-medical, non-diagnostic approach. We offer face-to-face crisis support, helplines, peer groups, and Deaf-specific services, including BSL interpretation.Operating evenings and weekends, we aim to reduce hospital admissions while collaborating with local mental health networks. Our team maintains accreditation standards and accessible communication practices, serving diverse communities across Leeds and West Yorkshire. Through adaptive programming, we address evolving needs while preserving our identity as a service-user-led charity.
Services
Crisis support
Deaf services
Peer support groups
24/7 crisis house
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Our survivor-led team provides support informed by lived experience of mental health challenges
- We offer 24/7 crisis accommodation at Oasis House through statutory referrals
- BSL interpreters and Deaf-specific services ensure accessible support for Deaf individuals
- Peer support groups facilitate shared learning among culturally diverse communities
- Collaboration with Leeds mental health networks maintains holistic care pathways
Services
Crisis support
Our face-to-face crisis support operates evenings and weekends at Dial House, providing immediate assistance for individuals experiencing acute mental health distress. This non-clinical service offers a safe alternative to hospital admission, featuring peer-led conversations and emotional support from staff with lived experience. Available to Leeds residents seeking urgent mental health respite outside statutory hours.
Deaf services
Specialised mental health support for Deaf individuals includes BSL interpreters at Dial House and dedicated helpline hours. Our Deaf Connect service provides telephone and video chat support three nights weekly, with text arrangements available for in-person visits. Social groups meet biweekly, offering peer support spaces facilitated by Deaf staff members who understand communication accessibility requirements.
Peer support groups
Facilitated peer groups enable shared learning experiences for diverse communities, including culturally specific women's groups, LGBTQ+ support, and Deaf mental health forums. These sessions, developed by service users, operate with minimal staff intervention to promote self-directed recovery strategies. Training packages on voice-hearing experiences are also delivered by individuals with lived expertise.
24/7 crisis house
Our 24-hour crisis accommodation at Oasis House provides extended support through statutory referral pathways. This service offers safe, structured environments for individuals requiring intensive mental health respite beyond standard operating hours. Staffed by experienced professionals, it maintains continuity with daytime support networks while ensuring round-the-clock care availability.
Community outreach
Mobile support initiatives extend our crisis intervention capabilities across West Yorkshire and Barnsley. Night OWLS helpline serves young people after standard hours, while Teen Connect offers multi-channel support for ages 11-18. Culturally specific outreach includes the Sisterhood group for ethnically diverse women and partnerships with local mental health organisations to enhance service accessibility.
People
Simon Richardson
Group Work Coordinator
Simon oversees peer support group operations at LSLCS, developing training packages based on lived experience. With extensive knowledge of voice-hearing phenomena, he facilitates safe spaces for mental health discussions while managing group facilitator transitions and accessibility improvements.
Questions
What crisis support options are available outside Leeds?
Our Night OWLS helpline extends support to young people across West Yorkshire and Barnsley after standard hours through telephone, text, and online chat services.
How can Deaf individuals access face-to-face support?
BSL interpreters can be arranged for Dial House visits by texting 07922 249 452 after 6pm, with regular Deaf social groups meeting every second and fourth Wednesday.
What training programs do you offer?
We deliver voice-hearing awareness training developed and presented by individuals with lived experience, focusing on practical support strategies for mental health professionals and carers.
How do funding changes affect service availability?
Recent budget reductions have altered some operating hours, with Connect services closing at 1am and Teen Connect directing after-hours calls to Night OWLS from 8pm.
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