WELCOME TO RIVERSIDE SANCTUARY
A free, confidential mental health and wellbeing drop-in service in Salisbury, offering a place of calm for anyone who may be struggling or simply in need of support. Located on Churchfields Industrial Estate, Riverside Sanctuary provides a safe, non-clinical environment where people can access help without an appointment.
Led by a compassionate team with lived experience of mental health challenges, we offer understanding, practical support, and a place of calm to talk when life feels overwhelming.
Flexible Support, Your Way
Everyone’s mental health journey is different, which is why we offer a range of flexible support options, including:
- Emotional support in a safe, supportive space
- Practical coping strategies to help manage difficult times
- Peer-to-peer support from others with lived experience
- A listening ear when you need someone to talk to
- Signposting and referrals to other support services
- Wellbeing sessions on selected days
Friends, family members, carers, and professionals are welcome to join us.
Whether you’re experiencing a difficult moment, facing ongoing challenges, or you simply need a supportive hand, you can drop in, take a breath, and find the support you need at Riverside Sanctuary, Place of Calm.
WHO CAN USE THE SERVICE?
16 years or over
Willing and able to work with us safely
Registered with a GP within Wiltshire
Anyone seeking mental health support cannot be:
- at risk of immediate harm
- in need of immediate medical treatment
- unable to work collaboratively with us safely
- intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If a level of mental health support is needed higher than we can provide, please contact the local NHS Mental Health team or dial 111. If there is immediate danger or risk of harm, please call 999.
What to Expect at our Place of Calm
Although we may not look like much from the outside… step inside and you’ll always find a friendly smile and a safe place of calm.
Inside you will find:
- A Safe Space to Chat – Whether you want to talk, relax, or just be around others, our open‑plan space is yours to use.
- Cosy Sofa Area -A comfortable corner to sit, unwind, and feel at home.
- Kitchen Area – Make yourself a brew or rustle up something to eat if you fancy it.
- Sensory / Quiet Room – If the main space feels a bit much, take a moment in our calm, soothing quiet room.
- Arts & Crafts Materials – Get creative, try something new, or simply enjoy making things with your hands.
- Comfort Items – We’ve got: – fidget toys – coloured lights – bean bags – a weighted blanket All ready to help you relax and reset.
- Book Swap- Take a book, leave a book—discover something new to read.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. You could be receiving support this evening.
Not necessarily. It can be useful for ensuring that someone is free to chat. But dropping in ad hoc is just as viable. If you wish to book email: riversidesanctuary@alabare.co.uk
A Place of Calm is a Quiet Alternative: These locations offer a relaxed, non-clinical environment with hot drinks and peer support as an alternative to busy A&E departments. We offer resources and tools targeting anxiety, life stress, relationship troubles, and grief.
Absolutely; we can support you in many ways. That includes one-to-one chats with the team, using the space itself, or taking part in our wellbeing group support sessions.
It is a service staffed by a team who have been chosen because of their lived experience of mental health. We are not doctors, therapists, or counsellors, but we have all had our own brush with mental health issues.
Not at all. We are open for anyone living in Wiltshire who would like support with their wellbeing and who can work with us safely.
No. There is no discharge from the service. You are free to visit the Sanctuary as much or as little as is useful.
If you are reading this while in A&E, our mental health vehicle may be able to bring you directly, at no charge. Please ask Reception for information. Otherwise, we are about 15 mins walk from Salisbury train station.
No problem. You are free to use the space for self-directed support. If that means sitting with your headphones on, that’s fine.
We do take confidential notes for the service, which include some basic information and demographic details.
No, unfortunately not. Whilst we are non-judgmental about people drinking or taking drugs, we must prioritise your safety during your visit drop-in to Riverside Sanctuary. Please reach out when you are not under the influence.
Professional Referrals
If wishing to refer a patient or client to this service, either:
Complete our online referral form for professionals
Download a referral form for professionals