ABOUT US
The Hub
Opened in August 2023, The Crisis Intervention Hub CIC began as a small, dedicated space designed to support adults in crisis on Portland. Driven by a deep commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of our community, what started as a modest initiative has grown into a multifaceted service offering vital support to those in need.
Located at Easton Shopping Centre, The Hub provides a free, face-to-face or telephone crisis intervention service available 7 days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm. With a focus on practical solutions, we offer services such as safety planning, well-being boxes, and up to six sessions of therapy. These resources are designed to help individuals navigate their mental health challenges, reduce anxiety, and build resilience for the future.
A Growing Network of Support
Since its inception, The Hub has expanded to include additional safe spaces and community initiatives, creating a broader network of care and support:
The Cozy Corner Wellbeing Lounge: A relaxed and welcoming space where service users can take part in activities, enjoy a chat over a cup of tea, or simply connect with others in a supportive environment.
The Sanctuary Community Shop: Offering affordable essential toiletries and cleaning supplies, this initiative helps ease the financial burden for all residents, reflecting our belief in addressing environmental factors that affect mental health.
The Sanctuary Charity Shop: Supporting our mission through community donations and sales, with proceeds directly benefiting our services and expanding our ability to help those in need.
Together, these services form a holistic approach to mental health support, addressing not just immediate crises but also fostering a sense of community, connection, and long-term well-being.
Our journey from a tiny crisis intervention space to a comprehensive hub of support has been made possible by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and the trust of our community. The Hub is more than just a service; it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary, and a testament to the power of compassion and collective action.
Hi I’m Sam,
I am A director of The Sanctuary
My name is Sam, and I am a mother and grandmother with a passion for supporting people within my community. I bring lived experience of mental health, both as someone who has accessed support myself and as a carer supporting others through difficult times.
Because of these experiences, I understand how important it is to have a safe, welcoming place where people can find support, understanding, and connection without fear of judgement. The Sanctuary's values and vision spoke to me from the very beginning, and I have seen first-hand the difference that compassionate community support can make.
It was a real privilege and honour to take over the leadership of The Sanctuary. I am passionate about ensuring this valuable service continues to grow and support those who need it, helping people to feel heard, valued, and empowered on their journey towards improved wellbeing.
Hi I’m Carol,
I am A director of The Sanctuary, and the manager of the cozy corner
My name is Carol, and I am the Manager of Cosy Corner and a Director of The Sanctuary. My journey with The Sanctuary began as a service user, at a time when I needed support myself. As my confidence and wellbeing grew, I became a volunteer, and over time I have had the privilege of taking on a greater role within the organisation.
I bring lived experience of mental health challenges, both personally and as a carer, which helps me understand the importance of having a safe, welcoming space where people feel accepted, supported, and valued. I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone who walks through our doors feels that they belong.
One of the things I love most about my role is looking after the people who use our services and the volunteers who help make them possible. Whether it's offering a listening ear, sharing a cup of tea, or preparing lunch for our Tuesday and Thursday sessions, I believe that kindness, connection, and community can make a real difference.
I am incredibly proud to be part of The Sanctuary and to have seen first-hand how hope, support, and friendship can help people rebuild their confidence and move forward in their lives.
Hi I’m gERALDINE,
I am A director of The Sanctuary
I'm retired and a carer for an autistic adult. I first came to the Sanctuary a year and a half ago when my husband and I were being harassed by youths and we had nowhere to turn for help. I was immediately warmly welcomed and offered both emotional and practical help. This was more than just counselling - the Sanctuary wasn, ad is, a place of acceptance and refuge where you can talk freely about mental health issues without being judged.
I soon began looking for ways to help. I started by cooking meals twice a week and assisting with fundraising and have now become a director. I count this as a privilege and joy to be able to listen to others stories and offer the same support as I was given.
Hi I’m cHARLES,
I am tHE cOMPANY sECRETARY fOR The sanctuary
I have Aspergers Syndrome.
I previously had a career in Trading Standards for 30 years; in various management roles dealing with animal health, civil investigation and safety compliance working with multi-partnership agencies.
The sanctuary service users are accepted and treated with respect and compassion. Everyone is a valued person irrespective of their needs and no one is judged if they just find it all too much at times. It is a service provided by the community for the community
I look forward to being part of the Sanctuary team
Hi I’m iZZY,
I am tHE fOUNDER OF The sanctuary
I founded The Sanctuary Crisis Intervention Hub after seeing too many people reach crisis point with nowhere safe to turn. Having spent many years supporting people through trauma and crisis, I knew that sometimes the most powerful intervention isn’t a clinical service—it’s having someone willing to listen, a safe place to be, and a community that refuses to let you face your darkest moments alone.
What began as one small room, where people could sit, talk and find support without judgement, has grown into a welcoming Wellbeing Lounge, a community shop that helps sustain our work, and a dedicated team of incredible volunteers whose compassion and commitment have brought this vision to life.
Although we’ve achieved so much together, the need for our services remains as great as ever. Every day, we continue working to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.
Our Volunteers
At the heart of The Sanctuary Crisis Hub and The Cozy Corner Wellbeing Lounge is our incredible team of volunteers—a diverse and dedicated group of individuals aged 27 to 79. Every single one of them brings a unique perspective and shared compassion, as they all have lived experience with mental health challenges. This personal connection fuels their commitment to providing empathetic, non-judgmental support to those in need.
Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have worked within the care industry, while others bring valuable experience from different fields. Their combined skills and knowledge create a well-rounded team capable of addressing the diverse needs of our community. Many of our volunteers have pursued additional mental health qualifications and continue to expand their expertise through ongoing education. Their dedication to enhancing their skill sets ensures they can offer the highest quality of support to those who rely on our services.
Each member of our team has completed NHS-approved suicide awareness training and holds a current DBS certificate. This training equips them with the knowledge and confidence to respond to individuals in crisis, providing a vital lifeline when it’s needed most.
An Award-Winning Team
The outstanding contributions of our volunteers have not gone unnoticed. They’ve been recognized with awards for their service, a testament to their unwavering commitment and impact. Their willingness to go above and beyond—offering support, understanding, and kindness—is what makes The Sanctuary such a special place.
A Lifeline for Our Community
From spending hours talking to someone in crisis to providing practical help, such as organising The Pit Stop or simply sharing a cuppa and a chat at The Cozy Corner, our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. Their spirit, resilience, and selflessness are an inspiration to us all.
We are incredibly proud of this remarkable group of people who dedicate their time and energy to making a real difference in the lives of others. Thanks to their hard work and compassion, The Sanctuary and The Cozy Corner continue to be safe, welcoming spaces for those navigating mental health challenges.
If you would like to become a member of our team please get in touch.