Exploring the Plan for 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres in Suffolk

Discussion Topic:

HAVE YOUR SAY ON: THE SHAPE AND DESIGN OF NEW 24/7 NEIGHBOURHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES IN SUFFOLK

Working with transformation leads from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), this Stepping Forward event provides an opportunity to gather a broad range of thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on the proposed development of 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres in Suffolk. The aim is to create a space where people can share their experiences, questions, and reflections on what this model might mean in practice. All viewpoints are welcome, including hopes, concerns, uncertainties, and suggestions. The purpose of this discussion is not to reach a single conclusion, but to better understand what matters to people and communities as plans continue to evolve.

Overview of the Proposed Model

NHS England is developing a model of 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres as part of its Quality Transformation Programme. The approach builds on national work to strengthen community mental health services and improve inpatient care, drawing on international examples of neighbourhood‑based support.

The model proposes:

• Open access, where people can walk in, call, or be referred without meeting specific thresholds.
• A consistent multi‑disciplinary team, potentially including mental health professionals, peer workers, social care staff, primary care partners, and community organisations working together in one place.
• Local, neighbourhood‑based support, including overnight availability, to offer help earlier and reduce escalation into crisis.
• Personalised and flexible care shaped around what matters to the individual.

The centres are intended for anyone with a mental health need, with particular focus on people experiencing severe mental illness who may benefit from consistent, local support and rapid response during periods of difficulty.

Potential advantages described in the model include simpler access, earlier intervention, and more coordinated care for individuals, as well as clearer pathways and stronger teamwork for staff.

Pilot sites are currently testing the model in several areas across England, with additional associate sites involved through a community of practice. The centres form part of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, which outlines a shift toward neighbourhood‑based mental health care available around the clock.

We will explore the following 6 questions:

1. Who should the hub be for, and what would make someone use it (instead of other options)?
2. What would “easy to access” look like in real life?
3. What support should the hub offer—and how quickly should it respond?
4. What should the experience feel like?
5. How should the hub link with other services, work overnight, and show it’s making a difference?
6. What do family/parent carers need from a 24/7 mental health hub?

How the event works

• As usual, each group will have a dedicated facilitator to guide the conversation.
• We’ll have scribes capturing key points so you can focus on the discussion.
• Attendees can add any feedback that falls outside the current discussion to the Future Conversations board so we can share it with the commissioners.

Access to the venue

• Our meeting will be in the Lecture Hall on the first floor - follow our event signposts
• Level access to the building
• Lift
• Accessible toilets
• Full Accessibility guide and parking details at this link: AccessAble - Your Accessibility Guide

Please note that photographs will be taken during the event. If you do not wish to appear in any photos, please inform a member of staff.

A free light lunch will be provided to all attendees from 1:00 pm, with the event formally concluding at 2:00 pm.

We understand that discussions about mental health can be emotionally triggering or difficult. The SUF team will be available throughout the event to offer support to anyone who needs it, and attendees are encouraged to take breaks at any time.

To help ensure everyone has access to support after the event, we will also provide a crisis card with key contact details to take home.

Info: An update on developments from our previous Stepping Forward events.

Info: Presentation by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) lead staff - Amy Gill and Beth Manning, NSFT.

Info: Six key questions with SUF facilitators and SUF scribes at each table.

Info: Jayne Stevens SUF CEO. Thanks, summary of next steps, signposting to further support.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, United Kingdom

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