News

Haringey has unveiled a pioneering multi-purpose mental health centre named in honour of Roger Sylvester - who tragically lost his life in 1999. 

Roger, who experienced episodes of poor mental health, was restrained by police outside his home aged 30 and died eight days later when his life support system was turned off. He accessed services at the former Canning Crescent Health Centre, and he was a mental health worker at the Lambo Centre in Archway.

The disused building has been transformed into a hub for integrated mental health support, bringing together vital services from the council, NHS, and voluntary sector under one roof.

At a ceremony yesterday (5 February 2026), Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet and Cabinet Member Cllr Lucia das Neves were joined by Roger’s family and friends, MP Bambos Charalambous, and officials from partner organisations to officially name the new facility the Roger Sylvester Centre.

The multi-use hub will provide vital short-stay accommodation for adults needing intensive support alongside a ‘crisis café’ – a dedicated space for people with mental health needs to drop-in. Clarendon Recovery College, which provides training and courses for people with mental health issues from its base in Hornsey, has relocated to the site.

Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing said: “We are beyond proud that Roger Sylvester will be remembered and honoured through this important facility.

“His death had a profound impact on the community and highlighted the need for compassionate, person-centred mental health care. Naming the centre in his honour is a way of recognising Roger’s aspirations, acknowledging the pain felt by his loved ones, and reaffirming our commitment to building a more just and supportive future.

“We know how much person-centred mental health support can change lives here in Haringey. We are delighted that Roger’s family are with us on this journey to support better mental health in the borough.” 

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

Services based at the Roger Sylvester Centre will include: 

• Clarendon Recovery College  – An education centre providing courses and learning opportunities to support people recovering from mental health crises. The college is run by Haringey Council.
• Safe Haven Crisis Hub  –  A drop in space where anyone can access support and guidance when in a mental health crisis. The hub is run by Mind in Haringey.
• Crisis Prevention House  – Accommodation offering a short stay for adults who need intensive support to prevent going to hospital. The house provides a therapeutic and person-centred approach to support recovery. The house is run by NHS North London Foundation Trust.

The new Roger Sylvester Centre operates in a Neighbourhood Health Service method, closely aligned with the NHS Ten Year Plan.