Haringey Unveils Roger Sylvester Mental Health Centre

Key Points

• Haringey has unveiled a pioneering multi-purpose mental health centre named the Roger Sylvester Centre in honour of Roger Sylvester, who tragically died in 1999 at age 30.
• Roger Sylvester experienced episodes of poor mental health, was restrained by police outside his home, taken to hospital, and passed away eight days later after life support was turned off.
• He accessed services at the former Canning Crescent Health Centre and worked as a mental health worker at the Lambo Centre in Archway.
• The disused Canning Crescent building has been transformed by Haringey Council into a hub integrating services from the council, NHS, and voluntary sector.
• The official naming ceremony occurred on 5 February 2026, attended by Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet, Cabinet Member Cllr Lucia das Neves, Roger’s family, and officials from partner organisations.
• The centre offers short-stay accommodation for adults needing intensive support, a ‘crisis café’ as a drop-in space, and relocated Clarendon Recovery College for mental health training and courses.
• Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing, stated: “The co-located model reduces fragmentation and improves access to care by enabling professionals to work collaboratively around the needs of individuals.”
• Specific services include: Clarendon Recovery College (run by Haringey Council), Safe Haven Crisis Hub (operated by Mind in Haringey), and Crisis Prevention House (run by North London NHS Foundation Trust).
• The centre follows a Neighbourhood Health Service model aligned with the NHS Ten Year Plan.
• More details are available at www.haringey.gov.uk/rogersylvestercentre.

Haringey (North London News) February 6, 2026 – Haringey Council has unveiled a pioneering multi-purpose mental health centre named in honour of Roger Sylvester, a local man who tragically lost his life in 1999 following a police restraint incident outside his home. The transformation of the former Canning Crescent Health Centre into the Roger Sylvester Centre brings together integrated support from the council, NHS, and voluntary sector under one roof, marking a significant step forward in local mental health provision.​

The official ceremony on 5 February 2026 saw Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Cllr Lucia das Neves joined by Roger Sylvester’s family and representatives from partner organisations to unveil the facility. This multi-use hub addresses critical gaps in care by offering short-stay accommodation for adults requiring intensive support, a dedicated ‘crisis café’ for drop-ins, and the relocated Clarendon Recovery College, which provides training and courses for those recovering from mental health crises.​

What Led to the Naming of the Roger Sylvester Centre?

Roger Sylvester, aged 30 at the time, experienced episodes of poor mental health when he was restrained by police outside his home in 1999. He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he sadly passed away eight days later after life support was turned off. Prior to this tragedy, Roger accessed services at the former Canning Crescent Health Centre and worked as a mental health worker at the Lambo Centre in Archway, highlighting his personal connection to mental health support in the area.​

The decision to honour him through this centre reflects a commitment to remembering individuals whose experiences have shaped local services. As reported in coverage of the unveiling, the naming serves as a tribute to his life and contributions, while underscoring the ongoing need for improved mental health infrastructure in Haringey. Family members attended the ceremony, lending a poignant personal dimension to the event.​

Who Attended the Official Unveiling Ceremony?

The naming ceremony on 5 February 2026 brought together key figures including Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet and Cabinet Member Cllr Lucia das Neves. They were accompanied by Roger Sylvester’s family, who have advocated for better mental health awareness following his death. Officials from partner organisations, such as the NHS and voluntary groups, also participated, symbolising the collaborative effort behind the centre.​

This gathering emphasised unity across sectors in tackling mental health challenges. Cllr Peray Ahmet, as Council Leader, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, overseeing the official dedication.​

What Services Will the Roger Sylvester Centre Provide?

The Roger Sylvester Centre operates as a comprehensive hub with several targeted services. These include the Clarendon Recovery College, an education centre run by Haringey Council, offering courses and learning opportunities to aid recovery from mental health crises.​

Additionally, the Safe Haven Crisis Hub, operated by Mind in Haringey, provides a drop-in space where anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can access immediate support and guidance. The Crisis Prevention House, managed by North London NHS Foundation Trust, offers short-stay accommodation for adults needing intensive support to avoid hospitalisation, adopting a therapeutic, person-centred approach that expands bed availability in the borough.​

How Does the Co-Located Model Improve Mental Health Care?

Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing, highlighted the benefits of the centre’s design. She stated:

“The co-located model reduces fragmentation and improves access to care by enabling professionals to work collaboratively around the needs of individuals.”​

This approach minimises silos between services, allowing seamless collaboration among council, NHS, and voluntary sector staff. By centralising resources, the model aligns closely with the Neighbourhood Health Service method and the NHS Ten Year Plan, prioritising integrated, community-based care.​

Why Is the Crisis Café a Vital Addition?

The ‘crisis café’ stands out as a dedicated drop-in space within the Safe Haven Crisis Hub. It offers immediate, non-clinical support for individuals in mental health distress, preventing escalation to more acute interventions. Operated by Mind in Haringey, this facility ensures accessibility for residents facing sudden crises.​

What Is the History of the Canning Crescent Site?

The Roger Sylvester Centre occupies the site of the former Canning Crescent Health Centre, a disused building revitalised by Haringey Council. Roger Sylvester himself accessed services there, making the location symbolically resonant. The transformation represents a reuse of existing infrastructure to meet modern mental health demands efficiently.​

This project demonstrates how local authorities can repurpose underutilised assets for community benefit.​

How Does This Centre Align with Broader NHS Goals?

The facility embodies the Neighbourhood Health Service model, closely aligned with the NHS Ten Year Plan. This plan emphasises proactive, integrated care to manage demand and improve outcomes. By combining education, crisis support, and residential options, the centre contributes to reducing hospital admissions and fostering recovery.​

Residents can access further information via the official page at www.haringey.gov.uk/rogersylvestercentre, which details services and contact options.​

What Role Did Roger Sylvester Play in Mental Health?

Beyond being a service user, Roger Sylvester served as a mental health worker at the Lambo Centre in Archway. His professional involvement underscores the centre’s dedication to those with lived experience. The naming honours not only his personal story but also his contributions to supporting others.​

Why Is This Unveiling Significant for Haringey Residents?

For Haringey residents, the Roger Sylvester Centre addresses longstanding needs for accessible mental health support. It expands capacity through additional beds, educational programmes, and crisis interventions, all in one location. The initiative responds to fragmentation in services, promoting a holistic approach.​

Cllr Lucia das Neves’ comments, as reported, affirm this:

“The co-located model reduces fragmentation and improves access to care by enabling professionals to work collaboratively around the needs of individuals.”

This development positions Haringey as a leader in community mental health provision.​

How Can Residents Access the New Centre?

Information on services, including Clarendon Recovery College, Safe Haven Crisis Hub, and Crisis Prevention House, is available online. The centre’s website provides details on drop-ins, courses, and short-stay options. Haringey Council encourages residents to explore these resources for personalised support.​