159 NHS mental health facilities to be opened

The new Prime Minister of the UK announced that there will be 159 NHS mental health facilities opened across England. The aim is to allow those that suffer with mental health to get help closer to their homes.

159 NHS mental Health facilities

Andy Burnham posted on X

We’ve all had some experience of struggles with mental health. Maybe you’ve stood by a loved one in a time of need. Maybe you’ve been through tough moments yourself.

Too often, illness is only half the challenge. People are forced to wait too long and fight too hard to get the help they need.

Today, we’re announcing a major expansion of NHS mental health services so people can get help earlier and closer to home.

The proposal

The proposal includes 100 new community mental health centres, where people with severe needs can walk in without a referral and get support without waiting months. In addition, we’re setting up 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments, giving people in crisis fast, same-day specialist care.

Community-led, community-based support is an approach we used to great effect in Greater Manchester. These services will make it much easier for people to get the right support, at the right time, in the right place. Mental health specialists will work alongside GPs, councils, charities and families, and provide direct links to housing and employment support.

The first of these new facilities will open their doors and offer their help later this year.