The NHS has officially opened its first 24/7 community mental health centre in Tower Hamlets, East London.
The health centre is the first of six sites set to launch across the country as part of a flagship commitment under the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.
The Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre brings together a range of mental health services under one roof, providing walk-in access for people with serious mental illness and related needs such as housing, employment, or volunteering support.
Announced earlier this month, the 10-Year Health Plan aims to radically transform mental health services in England by shifting care into the community and offering easier, round-the-clock access.
The NHS has officially opened its first 24/7 community mental health centre in Tower Hamlets
The plan includes a new model of care focused on continuity, proximity, and integration with local services.
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.
“I would encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to come forward for care either by contacting their GP, NHS 111, or visiting their local neighbourhood centre.”
The Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre brings together a range of mental health services under one roof
The new Tower Hamlets centre is being delivered by East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), in partnership with Look Ahead and the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance.
Lorraine Sunduza OBE, CEO of 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 Allianc,e will be providing the first neighbourhood pilot site to be fully operational.”
The five other centres will launch later this year 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 Birmingham – Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Lewisham (London) – South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Each will deliver integrated, round-the-clock mental health care in line with the NHS Community Framework and contribute to a wider national transformation that includes 24/7 psychiatric teams in A&E, mental health emergency departments, and the expansion of crisis helplines across England.