The Solace Centre, Equinoxcare is Ealing's daily out-of-hours mental health resource centre combating loneliness and isolation through social inclusion. We are a connecting hub with 75 members, based in West Ealing where people with mental health problems can meet in a relaxed, accepting environment to socialise, support one another and make new friends. It can help with respite, long-term self-management, resilience, and sustainability.
Our motto - chosen by our members, is: “Together accepting difference” - because Solace’s members and staff respect one another – with all our differences.
The Solace Centre encourages people to become experts in their own mental health self-management, build confidence and nurture resilience. We help to engage and foster peer support, resilience and sustainability.
Our members are involved in many day-to-day running and group activities, sharing and developing skills and learning. Peer support is often found to help promote and enhance wellness and capabilities. When needed, staff help resolve day-to-day mental health problems which are wide-ranging, from advice on budgeting to those having thoughts on suicide.
The Solace Centre, Equinoxcare (SIG) works in partnership with West London NHS Trust and LB Ealing.
Our members at The Solace Centre appreciate the welcoming, supportive environment that helps them connect with others, build friendships, and manage their mental health. Here are some of their experiences and reflections on the positive impact the centre has had on their lives.
"A second home and safety net."
"Solace offers a unique sense of belonging."
"The staff are friendly and kind always here to listen to you and help with your needs. When I leave Soace, I always go with a big smile. I learnt to deal with mental health well. The staf at Solace work very hard to look after us all."
"They (Solace staff) helped me tremendously to stay stable with my mental health."
The Solace Centre is a referral service (no drop-in visits) for people with a mental health diagnosis in the Borough of Ealing.
We only accept referrals by mental health practitioners, occupational therapists, social prescribers, and GPs. Please download and email the relevant referral form to enquiries.solace@equinoxcare.org.uk
Referral form for service users sectioned under a Mental Health Act or CTO
Referral form for service users not sectioned under a Mental Health Act or CTO
Attendance at the Solace Centre may also be a part of your care plan.
There are two types of referrals: a person on a section + not on a section.
If a person being referred is currently on a section, we will require a risk assessment and the referrer to accompany the referred person on visits until agreed.
We recommend and welcome a friend or professional to join new visitors to reduce any initial concerns.
During an induction, we'll show the new visitor around The Solace Centre, discuss what the service offers, and go through the Code of Conduct. Afterward, the new visitor is welcome to have a cup of tea/coffee or juice and meet our other members.
Following induction, the new visitor is welcome to attend on an informal, ad hoc basis Monday – Friday, 3pm - 7pm.
If you'd like to learn more about this service and induction, please email or call between 3pm and 7pm at 0208 567 6189 as we are an out-of-hours service.
New Solace members are voted in by existing Solace members (£20 per year).
When you’re invited to a Solace induction, you can bring carers, professionals, family, and friends along to join in and get familiar with the welcoming Solace environment.
Upon arrival, a friendly staff member will greet you and guide you through the induction process. They will introduce you to the protocols and the code of conduct, explain the sign-in procedure, and share The Solace Centre’s ethos of respect and inclusion.
You’ll receive an "Intro/Welcome Leaflet" and have a chance to discuss your interests and goals. The staff will give you a tour of the centre, including fire safety protocols, and introduce you to current Solace members and visitors who share similar hobbies and interests.
Your induction will conclude with a warm offer of tea, coffee, or juice, making you feel right at home.
I have completed my induction. Now what?
You can now visit as often as you like from 3 – 6:45 pm, Monday to Friday.
After a few weeks of visiting, based on how frequently you attend, you can start the process of becoming a Solace Member.
Members uphold a unified and respectful atmosphere, welcoming new visitors and supporting each other.
Solace Membership is £20 per year, which includes access to the centre, being part of the community, and free refreshments like tea, coffee, and juices.
Our opening times are currently 3pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
We are open Christmas, Easter and bank holidays.