Crisis Peer Alternative Service (CPAS) – Archived

Please note this service is no longer running.


North Kent Mind service supporting people age 18+ who are at risk of, or recovering from, a mental health crisis. 

The service provided a 12-week course of one-to-one support via in-person, digital, and telephone work.

As well as individual support, the service included a structured program of group work that blended educational sessions on recovery-focused subjects around better mental health along with client-led sessions. 

The work used a peer support model, utilising the lived experience of mental health issues of both the support worker and the supported person.


I just wanted to send a message to say that the service and groups have been absolutely wonderful and so, so beneficial and exactly what I’ve needed.

The facilitators have all been lovely and so well versed in the topics they cover.  They are friendly, personable, and approachable, and have helped me tremendously.


It’s also been so lovely that as well as having the group, we are able to have one to one sessions. I didn’t get diagnosed with bpd until I was 32 and I feel like I’ve had more help in these last few sessions than I have for the last decade before diagnosis.
There is something that is so comforting and affirming about being in a group of people going through similar things, and facing the same sort of obstacles and challenges in life.


It has made me more forgiving of myself, and feel less guilty and ashamed for some of my actions and behaviours.  It is also very helpful to get advice from those who know what they are talking about because they have gone through the same or similar things.

Additionally, what is so lovely about the group is that there is a lot of experience among everyone, so it means whatever we are facing or going through there is always others to share their perspective and offer advice.


I think this resource is life-changing for people, and I believe that so many would benefit from having this service.  It would make them feel more comfortable in their skin, and feel more content and reassured that they aren’t alone in their struggles and that there are others just like them. I am endlessly grateful to North Kent Mind and CPAS.
– Service User

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