UK government announces over 100 walk-in mental health centres to open in libraries, banks and high street locations across England

The UK government has announced a £343 million redesign of mental health services in England, planning 100 new walk-in community hubs in high street locations like libraries and banks, alongside 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the initiative will provide a lifeline, allowing patients to bypass busy general A&Es and access early, localized care. The rollout begins in autumn 2026 amid rising demand, with 2.36 million people on NHS mental health referral lists as of May 2026.

Community mental health centre expansion

• ▪The community mental health centre rollout builds on an existing pilot scheme of six sites trialled since 2024, with the first pilot having opened in Tower Hamlets in 2025.
• ▪The UK government announced plans to open 100 new community mental health centres across England, backed by £343 million in funding.

Mental health emergency department rollout

• ▪The UK government announced the creation of 59 new dedicated mental health emergency departments, bringing the total number in England to 82.
• ▪The first mental health facilities are scheduled to open in autumn 2026, with further sites following from March 2027.

Walk-in access without referral

• ▪The new community mental health centres will offer walk-in support where individuals can attend and receive care without needing a medical referral.
• ▪Many of the community mental health hubs are expected to operate seven days a week, with some facilities providing short-stay overnight beds.

High street location strategy

• ▪The community mental health hubs will be located in easily accessible high street premises, including local libraries and banks.
• ▪Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the new services will bring together existing teams of nurses, therapists, and support workers to work in a different way.

NHS A&E pressure relief

• ▪Royal College of Nursing data showed nearly 5,300 mental health patients in England waited over 12 hours in A&E after a decision to admit them last year, up from 1,000 in 2019.
• ▪The rollout of dedicated mental health emergency departments aims to relieve pressure on busy general A&Es by providing same-day support for medically fit patients.

Mental health crisis prevention

• ▪NHS figures show that 2.36 million people in England had an open referral with mental health services at the end of May 2026, up from 2.10 million in May 2025.
• ▪The initiative is designed to intervene early and prevent individuals from reaching a mental health crisis point, helping to turn the tide on mental ill health.