Tower Hamlets has been selected for an innovative community pilot to support people with mental health needs
East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) has partnered with the local charity Look Ahead to develop a unique mental health hub in Tower Hamlets.
The hub, which will be in Bethnal Green, is one of six sites selected for a new healthcare pilot scheme designed to support people with mental health needs.
The pilot aims to provide early-stage mental health treatment and support within the community, aiming to prevent or offer an alternative to hospital admissions.
With their care to be more tailored and person-centered, this approach is expected to be less disruptive and upsetting for service users.
During the launch of the scheme, Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s Mental Health Director, emphasised the importance of simplifying mental health care.
She said: “We know that for people with serious mental health problems it can be daunting to seek help and people can be overwhelmed by the different teams they come into contact with.
“That is why the NHS has been determined to make mental health care as easy as possible by giving people all the support they need in one local neighbourhood centre from help with their health needs but also support with other key issues such as housing and employment, which enable people to stay well and be a valued member of their local community.”
These new neighbourhood mental health centres will be open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
People could receive psychological therapies, medication and other interventions while also having access to expertise that can help with other important issues that may affect their wellbeing and recovery such as housing or employment.
The centres will also offer crisis beds and hospitality beds as part of the support services.
Individuals with serious mental health conditions who are known to the GP or mental health services in the area can visit these centres without needing an appointment.
They can receive support from a team that includes psychiatrists, mental health professionals, social workers, voluntary sector workers, and peer support workers.
ELFT and Look Ahead stated that this innovative community pilot will allow them to work with service users to create something different for people who need mental health support, providing early intervention as an alternative to hospital admission.
“Our preliminary meetings with partners and service user focus groups have generated considerable interest and excitement,” they said.
