On 6 August, Yvette Cooper, secretary of state for health and social care, visited the Newfield Green Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre in Sheffield to make a major announcement about the Government’s plan to redesign how NHS mental health services are delivered in England.
The health secretary spoke to the nation’s media, using Newfield Green as a groundbreaking example of the future of mental health care that the Government wants to replicate in communities across the country – providing specialist mental health care close to people’s homes.
Yvette Cooper announced £343 million in funding over the next two years to create 100 new community-based centres like Newfield Green.
The funding will also support the introduction of 59 additional mental health emergency departments, tripling the number of dedicated emergency support available in England.
Yvette Cooper, health and social care secretary, said:
"There is a mental health crisis in the UK – and for far too long, people haven't been able to get the right mental health support when and where they need it. People in crisis have had no choice but to turn up to a busy A&E, while problems have been left to fester without the right community support.
"Today is a major step forward in changing that. By more than doubling the number of community mental health centres and mental health emergency departments across England, we're getting to people earlier, before a crisis takes hold, and making sure that when someone does reach their lowest point, they get the right care, in the right place, from specialists who understand their needs.
"Under my leadership, we will build a health system the mental health challenges of today, turning the tide through prevention, so that everyone, whatever their background, has the support they need to thrive."
Salma Yasmeen, chief executive at Sheffield Partnership said:
"I welcome this commitment from the government to invest £343 million in mental health services, helping to strengthen community-based support and creating more mental health emergency departments. This significant investment in mental health services will make a lasting difference to communities across the country.
"I am particularly proud that our Newfield Green Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre is already demonstrating the approach the government is looking to roll out nationally. By working alongside people and communities, innovating and building strong partnerships, we are creating more compassionate support for local people in Gleadless and Heeley. Together, we are helping to shape a future where mental health care is accessible and people can receive the care they need, when they need it."
The new neighbourhood mental health centre was chosen for the announcement as one of six mental health community centre pilots in England, providing the blueprint for future centres.
Newfield Green Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre is paving the way for community mental health care in England and, by working with local people, is demonstrating how vital it is to provide mental health care in the heart of the community.
The new centre is located at Newfield Green in the Gleadless and Heeley neighbourhood and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are offered without the need for referral, to help people feel better and stay well. It is open to everyone in the local community.