People across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from new mental health facilities as part of a major NHS investment designed to provide earlier support and improve care for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Over the next 4 years, 2 new Mental Health Emergency Departments and 4 Community Mental Health Centres are planned for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of a nationwide programme backed by more than £327million.
The new facilities form part of what the NHS describes as the biggest redesign of mental health services in a generation, with 159 sites due to be developed across England.
Mental Health Emergency Departments will provide same-day specialist care for people experiencing a mental health crisis who are medically fit and do not require treatment in an Accident and Emergency department.
Located within or alongside existing emergency departments, the units are intended to provide a calmer environment where patients can be assessed quickly and referred for the most appropriate ongoing care, whether that be inpatient treatment, support at home or community-based services.
Alongside the crisis care facilities, 4 new Community Mental Health Centres will be established across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The centres will bring together NHS mental health teams, social care services, voluntary organisations and specialist support under one roof, making it easier for people to access help closer to home – often without needing a GP referral.
The facilities will also work closely with housing providers, employment support services and local authorities to provide more joined-up care.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, has said:
“When someone is struggling with their mental health, getting the right support quickly and in a place that feels safe can make all the difference.
“These new centres will mean people across the South East can get help earlier and closer to home, with teams who understand their needs and can offer personalised support before problems escalate.
“And when someone is in crisis, our new mental health emergency departments will provide a calm, specialist environment where they can be seen straight away by the right professionals, rather than waiting in a busy A&E.
“This investment is about improving people’s experience of care – helping them feel listened to, supported and connected to services that can make a real difference in their lives.”
Across England, the NHS plans to develop 59 Mental Health Emergency Departments and 100 Community Mental Health Centres through a mixture of new buildings and conversions of existing sites.
The first facilities are expected to begin opening from autumn 2026, with further sites due to open from March 2027.
The NHS has not yet confirmed where the 6 new facilities for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be located.
