Major expansion of community mental health support across England
Expansion to bring mental health care closer to home
The NHS is set to open up to 159 new mental health facilities across England as part of a £343 million investment programme, with several sites planned across the North East and North Cumbria. The expansion will include 100 community mental health centres providing walk-in support without the need for a referral, alongside 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments for people experiencing a crisis.
The initiative aims to improve access to support at an earlier stage and ease pressure on hospital A&E departments. Some centres will be based in easily accessible community locations, including libraries and high streets. The first facilities are expected to open from autumn 2026, with additional sites launching from March 2027.
