PEOPLE across the South East will benefit from new NHS mental health facilities as part of a nationwide rollout of sites designed to help people get support faster and easier.
NHS teams across the South East are working towards bringing in 11 new mental health emergency departments and 12 new Community Mental Health Centres over the next four years.
The healthcare provider says these facilities will represent the “biggest redesign” of NHS mental health services “in a generation.”
They aim to significantly expand access to specialist support across a number of counties, including here in Berkshire.
New Mental Health Emergency Departments aim to provide fast, same‑day specialist care for people experiencing a mental health crisis who are medically fit and do not need treatment in A&E.
The new facilities will form part of A&E departments as a place where quick assessment will be followed up with connection to other specific departments, such as inpatient treatment, support at home or community services.
This will help reduce pressure on busy emergency departments and ensure people receive the right care in the right place.
Of the 11 proposed, however, only one will be here in Thames Valley.
Alongside improvements to crisis care, new Community Mental Health Centres will bring together mental health teams, social care, voluntary sector partners and specialist support under one roof.
Located in neighbourhoods, high streets and community settings, they will make it easier for people to get help earlier and closer to home – often without needing a referral.
Thames Valley will see three of these.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, NHS England South East Medical Director, said:
“When someone is struggling with their mental health, getting the right support quickly and in a place that feels safe can make all the difference. These new centres will mean people across the South East can get help earlier and closer to home, with teams who understand their needs and can offer personalised support before problems escalate.
“And when someone is in crisis, our new mental health emergency departments will provide a calm, specialist environment where they can be seen straight away by the right professionals, rather than waiting in a busy A&E.
“This investment is about improving people’s experience of care — helping them feel listened to, supported and connected to services that can make a real difference in their lives.”
