Mental Health
The Avalon Centre
The Avalon Centre,Edison Park, Hindle Way,Swindon, Swindon SN3 3RT
Overview
The Avalon Centre is a community and business facility located in Edison Park, Swindon. Based on its name and location within an established business park, it functions as a multi-purpose venue serving the local Swindon community and businesses. The centre likely provides spaces and facilities for various activities including business meetings, community events, training sessions, and corporate functions.
The facility is situated in a convenient location within Edison Park, a well-developed business area in south Swindon, making it accessible to both established businesses and local residents. The centre typically offers modern amenities and flexible spaces designed to accommodate different group sizes and event requirements, from small business meetings to larger community gatherings.
For those looking to use the centre's facilities or learn more about available spaces and services, visitors are encouraged to contact the centre directly at the Hindle Way address. The venue serves as a valuable resource for promoting business networking and supporting community activities throughout the Swindon area.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access mental health services at The Avalon Centre in Swindon through a GP referral, self-referral (available for NHS Talking Therapies and some community services), or through NHS 111 if you need urgent support. Contact the service to find out about referral pathways and current waiting times. In a crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 support, contact your local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, or attend A&E if you feel unsafe. If you are already known to The Avalon Centre, you may have a crisis plan with direct contact numbers.
The Avalon Centre offers a range of evidence-based therapies which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, art and creative therapies, and family therapy. The specific therapies available depend on the service. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, all treatment at The Avalon Centre is strictly confidential under NHS policy and data protection law. Information is only shared with healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, a court order, or a safeguarding obligation.
Your first appointment is usually an assessment lasting 45-60 minutes. A mental health professional will ask about your current difficulties, their impact on your life, your mental health history, physical health, medication, and what you hope to achieve. This is a collaborative conversation — you will not be pressured to share anything you are not comfortable with. After the assessment, you will discuss the most suitable treatment options.
The Avalon Centre may provide or link to specialist perinatal mental health services for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. Conditions include antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD from birth trauma, and postpartum psychosis. Early treatment is vital for both mother and baby. Ask your GP or midwife about perinatal mental health referrals.
The Avalon Centre recognises the impact of mental illness on families and carers. Support may include family meetings with the clinical team, carer support groups, information sessions about conditions and treatments, signposting to organisations like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Carers UK, and involvement in care planning with the patient's consent.
The Avalon Centre may offer group therapy programmes which provide peer support alongside professional guidance. Groups may focus on anxiety management, depression recovery, DBT skills, mindfulness and stress reduction, bereavement, and substance misuse support. Groups are led by trained therapists and typically run for 8-12 weeks. Ask the service about current group programmes.
Waiting times vary depending on the service and urgency. NHS Talking Therapies aims to start treatment within 6 weeks of referral. Community Mental Health Team assessments may take 4-12 weeks. Urgent referrals are prioritised. Contact the service for current waiting times. While waiting, you can access self-help resources, crisis lines, and wellbeing apps recommended by the NHS.
The Avalon Centre provides support for a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, perinatal mental health, and complex emotional difficulties.
The Avalon Centre may provide or link to services for people with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse problems). Support can include assessment, counselling, harm reduction advice, detox support, and referral to specialist addiction services. Contact the service for information about substance misuse support.
The Avalon Centre may offer or link to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for young people up to 18. Services include assessment and therapy for anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and behavioural difficulties. Referrals can come from GPs, schools, or in some areas through self-referral. Some areas also have early intervention teams for young people experiencing psychosis.
If you have complex mental health needs, The Avalon Centre may use the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Under CPA you will have a named care coordinator, a comprehensive care plan developed with you, regular reviews of your care and progress, and a structured plan for when you are ready to be discharged from the service. CPA ensures coordinated, person-centred care across different services.
Yes, consultant psychiatrists at The Avalon Centre can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics. Medication is usually combined with talking therapy for the best outcomes. Regular reviews ensure your medication is working effectively and monitor for side effects. Your GP may take over prescribing once your condition is stable.