Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service — survivor‐led philosophy in action

Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service was set up in 1999 by a group of service users, who had campaigned for five years to develop the service. We were set up to be a place of sanctuary – an alternative to hospital admission and statutory services for people in acute mental health crisis. The service was established, and continues to be governed, managed and staffed by people with direct experience of mental health problems. We have our own unique perspectives on what it feels like to be in crisis, and what helps and doesn't help. We have developed our service based on this knowledge and experience, while responding to the needs articulated by our visitors and callers.