Cambridgeshire and Peterborough receive funding for new mental health centres
Government initiative allocates funds to improve regional mental health care
Last updated 11th Aug 2026
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a share of government funding from a £343 million national initiative to enhance mental health care services in the region.
The funding will facilitate the establishment of two new mental health emergency departments and two community-based mental health centres.
Peterborough's Labour MP Andrew Pakes welcomed the investment as a crucial step towards addressing mental health issues earlier.
"Mental health comes up on almost every doorstep I knock in Peterborough," Pakes said. "People telling me they’ve waited months for help, or that the only place they could turn was A&E when things got desperate. That’s not right, and it’s why I’m glad to see this funding coming through."
Although the exact locations for the new centres are yet to be confirmed, Mr Pakes expressed his eagerness to ensure that Peterborough benefits from the resources.
Steve Grange, chief executive of the trust, remarked on the importance of the funding: "We are really pleased that CPFT has been allocated funding to provide the new mental health emergency departments and community mental health centres."
Grange highlighted the trust’s commitment to community care: "The new facilities will further improve access for those requiring support, either in mental health crisis or needing community care."
Community mental health centres will focus on providing support to individuals before they reach a crisis point.
The mental health emergency departments will offer specialist assessment and care for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Thoughtful plans will be shared with the public once they have been developed in collaboration with the trust and its partners.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasised the significance of these developments: “Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone. These new centres will be a lifeline for so many.”