Last week the NHS opened its first 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centre which will offer around the clock walk-in support for people with mental health issues.

The centre, located in East London, is the first of six centres which will open across England. They will provide a range of community health services, including crisis services and short stay beds.

People with serious mental health conditions will be able to access these centres without an appointment and they will also be able to access additional support and advice on housing, employment and volunteering.

The centres will be staffed by psychiatrists, mental health professionals, peer support workers and volunteers.

A further five centres are due to open later this year in Cumbria, York, Sheffield, Birmingham and South London.

Easier access to mental health treatment

It is hoped that these new centres will make it much easier for people to access mental health treatment when it is needed without having to be referred by a health professional or put on lengthy hospital waiting lists.

The NHS say this new initiative is part of a wider effort, including the roll out of 24/7 psychiatric teams in every A&E, the world’s first 24/7 mental health crisis helplines across England and dedicated mental health emergency departments for those in crisis.

NHS England has also issued guidance to support better care, including not discharging patients simply for missing an appointment.

The need for improvement

I am currently representing a number of clients who have suffered significant injuries as a result of substandard mental health treatment. It is often the case that those with mental health conditions struggle to access the treatment and support that they need. When they do manage to access treatment, it is often of poor quality or they are discharged without appropriate follow up.

My clients with mental health conditions often tell me that when they try to access support, they rarely see the same clinician which gives them no continuity of care. Being able to access support when they need it, in the communities where they live, by healthcare teams they are familiar with must be a step in the right direction.

The NHS must continue to ensure that everyone can access good quality mental health treatment and I hope to see more of these much needed centres opening up in the future.