Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £343 million scheme to open 159 new NHS mental health hubs across England, aiming to provide earlier local support and specialist crisis care outside A&E departments.
New hubs from autumn
The first locations will begin operating from autumn this year, with additional facilities launching from March 2027. The initiative is designed to ensure people in crisis receive dedicated mental health emergency treatment rather than enduring long waits in busy A&E departments.
Government statement
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."
He added: "These new centres will be a lifeline for so many. 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 comment
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper commented: "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."
She continued: "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."
Cooper concluded: "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."
