The Government has revealed the locations of 31 new mental health centres across London, including in libraries, banks and other high street spots. The plan aims to prevent those in crisis from waiting months for help.
Community hubs and emergency departments
In the capital, 30 hubs are planned at new and existing sites, plus another in Luton run by the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Community-based centres will open in high streets in Wandsworth, Croydon, Lambeth, Newham, Southwark, Hackney, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Islington, Camden, Barnet, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, and Brent. Four more are planned for south west London and one for central London.
Specialist emergency care
Nine new mental health emergency departments will open at London hospitals, with one in Luton. Across England, 100 community centres and 59 emergency departments are planned in what the Department of Health and Social Care called the “biggest redesign of mental health services in a generation”. The centres will offer walk-in support without the need for a referral.
Government response
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Too many people are only getting mental health support when they reach crisis point, after struggling for far too long to get the help they need. These new community mental health centres will help people get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate. And when someone does need urgent help, new mental health emergency departments will be able to make sure they are seen quickly by specialist teams in the right setting. 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."
