CASE STUDY
Overview
Evaluating the Alternatives to Crisis Programme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
People experiencing a mental health crisis are often left feeling unsure where to turn and with little option other than to call 999 or go to their local hospital Emergency Department (ED). However, these options aren’t always a good fit for patients and can put a lot of pressure on already stretched emergency services. Commissioners in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight wanted to find a better solution for people across the area.
The Alternatives to Crisis programme (A to C) covers a range of community-based services aimed at supporting adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The idea behind A to C is simple: give people timely, appropriate care outside of traditional crisis routes like 999 calls, ED visits, or psychiatric admissions.
Our impact
90%
of respondents who had used an A to C service rated their experience as good or excellent
100%
of respondents who had used an A to C service said they would be likely or extremely likely to recommend the service to someone else if they needed similar support
"I have been offered a lifeline for myself and a way to help my son that I didn't know existed until I visited Safe Haven. I am at crisis stage myself not knowing how to support my son who has mental health issues. Safe Haven have offered me a way forward. Thank you so much."
Carer
Safe Haven in Hampshire & Isle of Wight
Sonya Mclean, Senior Programme Manager
Mental Health Crisis Care, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB)
“[The evaluation] enabled the ICB to clearly meet our internal deadlines for future commissioning decisions and procurement. For that, we thank you for the extra effort put in. Via the FutureNHS platform, I have also had the opportunity to share the evaluation documentation far and wide across England with other ICB colleagues who requested some help nationally for evaluations like this one. We will continue to share when requested to help support other areas with their commission and future funding arrangements”
Sonya Mclean, Senior Programme Manager
Mental Health Crisis Care, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB)
We were approached to carry out an evaluation spanning seven
different crisis services across the region. We wanted to understand whether
the A to C programme is truly meeting local needs and helping the system run
more smoothly.
To get a complete picture, we used a mix of methods.
Co-production was central to our approach—we worked closely with a Lived
Experience Lead who helped shape how we gathered and interpreted our data. We
also hosted Rapid Insight events, bringing together key voices from crisis
services to share their experiences and insights.
What did we find?
The feedback and data pointed to some clear benefits:
· Patients
told us they felt seen as people, not just patients or diagnoses. Many
valued the chance to talk with peer support workers—people who truly understood
what they were going through.
And it’s not just service users who saw the value; emergency
responders and primary care staff also appreciated the support these services
offered.
How can we help you?
If you’d like to get in touch please
email enquiries@hiwessex.net