England to open walk-in mental health centres in banks and libraries
The government plans nearly 200 specialist community services for people in crisis, with sites set to open in everyday public buildings.
England will get a network of almost 200 walk-in mental health centres, with services planned for banks, libraries and other community buildings, according to the government. The centres are intended to give people in crisis a place to seek help without an appointment.
The announcement comes as ministers look for ways to ease pressure on emergency departments and expand support outside hospitals. The new services are expected to offer specialist care closer to where people live.
The plan is part of a wider push to improve access to mental health treatment in the community. Officials have also said they want to cut waiting times for children and end the practice of placing some patients far from home for acute care.
The move follows years of concern about rising demand for mental health support across England, including among children and young people. It also comes as the government faces pressure to show progress on parity between physical and psychological health care.
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