24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres
NHS England’s Quality Transformation Programme is supporting the rollout of a new 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centre model.
Why are we introducing this model?
This is the next stage of transforming adult mental health services, building on existing work to:
The approach includes close working with primary care and neighbourhood health services, and draws on international exemplars to improve mental health care for adults in England.
How do the centres work?
Open door support: you can walk in, call or be referred; there is no ‘wrong door’ or threshold.
Continuity and relationships: seeing the same team, knowing who is supporting you and not having to repeat your story.
Support close to home: each centre works within their neighbourhood, so help is local, familiar and easy to access.
A single trusted team: mental health professionals, peer workers, social care, primary care and community partners work together in 1 place.
Help when you need it so you can get help early and avoid crisis, including overnight support.
Personalised, flexible care: listening to what matters and building a plan that suits you.
Who are they for?
Anyone who has a mental health need but targeting people experiencing severe mental illness who need consistent, neighbourhood-based support and rapid response when things get tough.
Who provides the care?
1 joined up team of mental health professionals, peer workers, primary and social care staff and community partners working together.
What are the benefits?
For patients
- care closer to home
- no need to navigate complex referral processes
- direct access to appropriate support
- get help early
- holistic care
For staff
- clearer, simpler pathways
- more time for meaningful care
- better continuity
- stronger teamwork
Where are the pilot sites?
6 sites are testing this approach:
- Copeland (Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear NHS Foundation Trust)
- Acomb (York Mental Health Partnership)
- Birmingham East Central (Birmingham and Solihull NHS Foundation Trust)
- Tower Hamlets (East London Foundation Trust)
- Lewisham (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust)
- Gleadless and Heeley (Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust)
An additional 16 associate sites are also testing the model through a community of practice.
How does this fit with NHS plans?
These centres are central to the 10 Year Health Plan. They will transform mental health services into 24/7 neighbourhood care models.
For more information email england.neighbourhoodmh@nhs.net