The first 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centre has opened today, following a commitment in the 10 year plan to roll out six of these centres across the country.
The centre, in Tower Hamlets in East London, will bring together a range of community mental health services, including crisis services, community mental health services and short-stay beds.
It will be implemented by East London NHS Foundation Trust.
Patients with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar, will be able to walk in without an appointment if they need support, or advice on employment, housing or volunteering.
Staff from local authorities, voluntary, faith and community organisations will also be onsite at the centres.
The other five centres are set to open in:
- Whitehaven (Cumbria) – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust,
- Acomb (York) – York Mental Health Partnership,
- Heeley (Sheffield) – Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust,
- East of Birmingham – Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust,
- Lewisham (London) – South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Lorraine Sunduza OBE, CEO of East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), said: ‘The Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre will provide person-centred mental health care for people in Bethnal Green when they need it and bring NHS care closer to home.
‘I am very proud that ELFT and partners Look Ahead and the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance will be providing the first neighbourhood pilot site to be fully operational.’
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said:‘We know that for people with serious mental health problems it can be daunting to seek help, and people can be overwhelmed by the different teams they come into contact with.
‘That is why the NHS has been determined to make mental healthcare as easy as possible. The ‘one-stop shop’ approach will mean that people can get the care they need closer to home and at an earlier stage, with treatment in a comfortable environment.
‘Whether someone needs help with their mental health, housing, or work, they’ll find help in their community, around the clock, and without the need for a referral.’
It comes as North East London ICB chief executive, Zina Etheridge, has announced this week (16 July) that she will step down after more than three years in the role.
She said: ‘After a great deal of thought, I have decided to leave the ICB. North east London is a great place, full of amazing people doing amazing things. I am confident that the ICB has a great opportunity ahead as it pivots to focus more extensively on its role in strategic commissioning.
‘Across NEL the opportunities to really improve the population’s health and wellbeing through the shift to neighbourhood working are really exciting. However I have reached the difficult conclusion that it is better for someone else to take this forward.
‘I have hugely enjoyed working with our staff and partners across north east London, despite the many challenges we have been through together, and am proud of what we have achieved together.’
The 10 year plan was revealed earlier this month, with genomic data and expansion of the NHS App central to the government’s plan for a Neighbourhood Health Service.
