New mental health “safe havens” for teenagers are due to open to provide round-the-clock access to help.
The new hubs will open their doors in Newcastle and Gateshead in early 2026 and will be run by charities Everyturn Mental Health and Children North East.
Funded by North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) for two years, they will offer support for children and young people aged 13 to 18.
The centres will be open every day of the year because “mental health doesn’t work to a timetable or appointment schedule,” ICB chief delivery officer Levi Buckley said.
They will also give access to free face-to-face, phone and virtual appointments, with no need for a referral from a healthcare professional.
Mr Buckley added: “We need support when we need support – so it will be a huge boost to have the region’s first safe havens for young people.”
The ICB, which is responsible for commissioning health services, said one in five young people struggled with their mental health, with suicide rates in the North East among the highest recorded since 1999.
The havens will link with existing NHS services, local authorities, schools and voluntary organisations, the organisation said.
It added it would invite young people to share their views and help to shape the service.
Adam Crampsie, chief executive at Everyturn, said he wanted to empower the next generation.
“We want to help young people to feel heard, safe and supported,” he said.
The scheme follows the opening of safe havens for adults in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.