Solace Centre Reopens in West Ealing

Coincides with World Mental Health Day

A mental health centre which had been under threat of closure has reopened in new premises West Ealing.

The Solace Centre and Marron House offer a safe, accepting and inclusive environment for people with mental health problems who live in the London Borough of Ealing.

Three years ago Solace was earmaked for closure due to council budget cuts and a major campaign was launched by service users. In April 2016, Equinoxcare (part of Social Interest Group charity) took over the provision of The Solace Centre service within council-owned premises.

Celebrating the official reopening was Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for health and adults' services. Accompanying Cllr Tailor was Cllr Abdullah Gulaid, and Cllr Joy Morrissy who celebrated with around 140 guests including service users, people from the community, carers, family and friends.

Solace Centre Equinox Manager, Mirna Scholey, said: “On behalf of Solace Service Users and Solace Equinox staff, we would like to thank Ealing Council, particularly Cllr Tailor who officially opened the Solace Centre and Marron House’s new premises. It was a momentous occasion securing social inclusion for our current and future mental health service users.”  

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, said: “It’s effectively taken three years to come to this point and to also reopen on World Mental Health Day was symbolic. I recognised early what the centre meant to the community by ensuring the service continued within a rebuilt centre. The new purpose built building in the heart of Ealing will give current and future users much needed support.     Having the Solace Centre is vitally important and creates a friendly and supportive environment for the users to enjoy while gaining friends and advice from staff. This centre is one of a number of places and methods residents can seek help in Ealing.”  

Visit Solace Centre’s new website where you’ll find information about joining the supportive service www.thesolacecentre.co.uk.  

If you are in a crisis, contact West London Mental Health NHS Trust’s Single Point of Access phone line on 0300 1234 244, go to your GP or A&E.

23rd October 2017