First NHS 24/7 Mental Health Unit Opens
The first of its kind, this walk-in crisis hub will provide round-the-clock care for patients in urgent need of mental health support — without requiring a hospital admission or A&E visit.
It’s part of the NHS’s 10-year ambition to transform community-based mental health care.
A new model for crisis mental health care
NHS England has opened its first 24/7 mental health crisis hub in Barking, offering patients rapid, walk-in access to mental health support without needing an emergency department visit or inpatient stay.
This initiative is a flagship component of the NHS Long Term Plan, aiming to modernise and decentralise mental health support by providing faster and more appropriate care closer to home.
What’s different?
Unlike traditional pathways that funnel patients through A&E or crisis teams, this dedicated mental health unit provides:
- Walk-in round-the-clock access
- Immediate triage and support
- Short-stay assessment without full hospital admission
- Care delivered by mental health professionals in a purpose-built setting
Who is it for?
The unit is designed for people experiencing mental health crises who would otherwise end up:
- In A&E departments
- Awaiting community mental health team intervention
- Admitted to hospital unnecessarily
Patients can self-present or be referred directly by GPs, ambulance crews, or other services — reducing the burden on acute care systems and providing a more therapeutic environment.
The bigger picture
This unit is the first of 24 planned as part of a £150 million investment in crisis alternatives. The approach is based on:
- Earlier intervention
- Community-based support
- Better outcomes through tailored care environments
It represents a shift in strategy, away from reactive crisis management and towards proactive, decentralised support systems.
Why it matters
- A&E is often the wrong environment for mental health crises
- Short-stay, 24/7 units reduce pressure on stretched acute services
- Local, walk-in access removes barriers to timely care
This model could redefine first-line response for mental health emergencies — and act as a blueprint for national rollout.
Source
NHS England. First NHS round-the-clock mental health unit opens under 10-year health plan. 16 July 2025. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/07/first-nhs-round-the-clock-mental-health-unit-opens-under-10-year-health-plan/
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