People experiencing mental health problems in Luton will be able to access support earlier and closer to home under a major overhaul of NHS services announced by the government.
The town is set to receive both a new community mental health centre and a dedicated mental health emergency department as part of a £343 million investment described by government ministers as the biggest redesign of adult mental health services in a generation.
The community mental health centre will offer walk-in support without the need for a GP referral or lengthy waits, bringing together NHS mental health teams with GPs, councils, voluntary organisations and employment and housing support services under one roof.
Meanwhile, the new mental health emergency department, planned for Calnwood Court, will provide specialist same-day care for people in crisis in a dedicated therapeutic setting rather than a busy hospital A&E department.
The first facilities nationally are expected to open from this autumn, subject to designs, procurement and business case approvals, with further sites following from March 2027.
Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins welcomed the announcement, which she said would transform access to mental health support locally.
Writing in a blog post, she said: “Myself and Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, are very glad to welcome today the announcement of new mental health facilities for Luton, part of the Labour Government’s nationwide redesign of adult mental health services.
“Part of a wave of 159 new facilities opening in England, a new mental health community centre will mean people struggling in Luton can get help earlier and closer to home – offering support without a referral and without a months-long wait.
“It will bring mental health and specialist teams together under one roof, working alongside GPs, councils, the voluntary sector and families, with direct links into housing and employment support.
“Luton is also set to benefit from a new, dedicated mental health emergency department, giving people in crisis specialist care in a place designed for them.”
Ms Hopkins said the investment reflected the government’s aim of preventing mental health problems from reaching crisis point.
Demand for mental health services has increased significantly in recent years, with around one in five people experiencing a common mental health condition each year. Ministers say too many people currently wait until they are in crisis before receiving support.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone. But every day, thousands of people are waiting months for help, then finding the only door open to them is a busy A&E.
“These new centres will be a lifeline for so many. They will bring NHS services closer to home, making it easier to get support before problems get worse, and ensuring those in crisis get the right care in the right place.
“On the steps of Downing Street, I said we would build a country that acts sooner when people need help. Today is just the start of making that a reality.”
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the changes marked a shift towards earlier intervention.
She said: “Too many people are only getting mental health support when they reach crisis point, after struggling for far too long to get the help they need.
“These new community mental health centres will help people get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate. And when someone does need urgent help, new mental health emergency departments will be able to make sure they are seen quickly by specialist teams in the right setting.”
The government said the investment forms the first phase of its forthcoming Mental Health Strategy, which will look beyond the NHS and involve schools, employers, councils and voluntary organisations in improving mental health support.
Ms Hopkins added: “Demand for mental health services has risen sharply, particularly among children and young people, with around one in five people experiencing a common mental health condition each year. Too often, people only receive support once they reach crisis point, leaving families without the help they need and placing greater pressure on NHS services.
“New funding and facilities announced today will support the Labour Government’s mission to shift care from crisis to prevention, helping people get support earlier and closer to home.”
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