People in England needing immediate care for mental health problems will be able to access specialist walk-in hubs close to their home, the government is promising. Ministers have set out plans to create a network of nearly 200 community mental health centres and mental health A&Es by 2029. The aim is to give those experiencing a mental health crisis or significant distress somewhere to go to get help when they need it - with plans to open dozens of the hubs in high street locations like banks and libraries.
One in five people struggle with their mental health and thousands of people turn up at A&E when they get to crisis point because they cannot find help elsewhere. The government believes its plans, which build on pilots that have been run over recent years, will help tackle this issue and ensure people receive expert care when they need it. The government said there will be 100 new community mental health centres opened in a variety of locations, from libraries and banks.
Some will be set up in new buildings. They will bring together existing teams of nurses, therapists and support workers. Many of the hubs are expected to be open seven days a week and some will have short-stay bed facilities.
Six areas have trialled the approach since 2024. The government is also pledging to set up another 59 dedicated mental health A&Es, on top of the 23 which are already operational. Many will be attached to existing A&Es.
Dogs, tea, snacks: an alternative mental health A&E Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone. But every day, thousands of people are waiting months for help, then finding the only door open to them is a busy A&E. "These new centres will be a lifeline for so many," he said.
"They will bring NHS services closer to home, making it easier to get support before problems get worse and ensuring those in crisis get the right care in the right place." Health Secretary Yvette Cooper added: "This is how we can turn the tide on mental ill health - preventing more people from reaching crisis, cutting waits for care, and building an NHS which is there for everyone when they need it.” Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Cooper said there would be a "continual programme" of rolling out these mental health centres - with the first ones set to open this autumn. "It will take a bit of time in some areas but 100 right across the country I think will make a real difference to getting people mental health support early," she said, adding that "prevention can be much more effective to provide healthcare". She said the government has already increased mental health staffing, but said "what these services are going to be doing is bringing together existing teams of staff to work together in a different way".
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