£343m NHS Mental Health Investment to Deliver 159 New Centres Across England
A major £343 million investment will transform mental health care across England, with 159 new NHS mental health facilities set to bring faster, more accessible support directly into local communities.
Described as the biggest redesign of mental health services in a generation, the programme will introduce 100 community mental health centres and 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments, helping people access specialist care earlier and reducing the number of patients reaching crisis point.
The first facilities are expected to open from autumn 2026, with further sites following from March 2027.
Mental health support closer to home
The 100 new NHS community mental health centres will offer walk-in support without requiring a referral, removing one of the barriers that can prevent people from receiving help quickly.
Centres will bring mental health professionals and specialist teams together with GPs, councils, voluntary organisations and wider services, including housing and employment support.
Some facilities will be purpose-built, while others will transform existing community and high-street spaces such as libraries and former banks into welcoming, accessible mental health hubs.
The move comes amid growing demand for mental health services in England, particularly among children and young people, with around one in five people experiencing a common mental health condition each year.
59 dedicated mental health emergency departments
Alongside community support, the government will establish 59 new mental health emergency departments, providing same-day specialist care for people experiencing a mental health crisis who do not require treatment in a traditional A&E department.
The expansion will more than double the number of dedicated mental health emergency departments in England, taking the total to 82.
Located alongside emergency departments and working with ambulance and police services, the facilities will provide calmer, therapeutic environments where patients can be assessed and connected with appropriate ongoing support.
Of the £343 million investment, £187 million will support the initial 100 community mental health centres, while £156 million has been allocated to the first 59 mental health emergency departments.
The plans form the first phase of a wider programme under the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, with a growing emphasis on prevention, early intervention and delivering NHS care closer to home.
Overall, 57 of the announced facilities are expected to be new builds, while 102 will involve the conversion of existing sites, subject to final design, procurement and business case approvals.
