LSLCS Statement of Solidarity

We at Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service stand in solidarity with all those targeted and affected by the horrific incidents of racism, Islamophobia, hate crime and violence that have happened across the country.

In light of these horrific events we want to share our continued commitment to supporting people from diverse cultural communities who access our services for support, and our wonderful diverse staff team.

As an organisation, we stand firmly together with all the communities we serve in this time of anxiety and fear by continuing to offer our help and support in times of crisis, and through love and solidarity we will win over hate and hostility

Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) was set up in 1999 by a group of service users, who had campaigned for five years to develop the service (which became “Dial House”). Initially, LSLCS was run in partnership with Social Services, becoming a registered charity in 2001. Dial House was set up to be a place of sanctuary, as an alternative to hospital admission and statutory services for people in acute mental health crisis. LSLCS was established, and continues to be governed and managed, 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 does not help. We have developed our LSLCS based on this knowledge and experience, while responding to the needs articulated by our visitors and callers.

We are part of a network of mental health services in Leeds. We liaise with and undertake joint work with other services, while maintaining our identity as an innovative, service user led voluntary sector organisation providing face-to-face crisis services (Dial House, and Dial House @ Touchstone), telephone and video chat support (Connect Helpline, Teen Connect, Deaf Connect) and Groupwork; along with partner working with other mental health services, we are part of the Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service (in partnership with Leeds Mind) and The Wellbean Cafes (in partnership with Touchstone).