New NHS mental health facilities planned for North Yorkshire to enhance local support
Community centres and emergency departments aim for faster, integrated care
North Yorkshire is set to benefit from the government's plan to introduce 159 new mental health facilities across England, with regional improvements focusing on faster, more accessible care.
The North East and Yorkshire sector is expected to introduce 15 new community mental health centres and 10 emergency departments, pending final approvals.
These facilities will be central to neighbourhoods, integrating mental health and specialist teams with local services to provide comprehensive, seamless care.
Dr Yasmin Khan, Interim Regional Medical Director for NHS North East and Yorkshire, highlighted the transformative potential:
“These new community mental health centres represent a real opportunity to transform the way people access support across the North East and Yorkshire.”
Funded with £343 million, this initiative reflects a shift from crisis response to preventive care in NHS neighbourhood mental health services.
The first round of facilities is projected to open from this autumn, extending into March next year.
North Yorkshire will host four community mental health centre sites subject to design and approval processes.
These plans align with the upcoming Mental Health Strategy, expanding the focus beyond the NHS to involve schools and local organisations in supporting mental wellness.