New mental health support centres planned for Luton as part of £343m investment

The town is set to get a share of £343 million to create a new community mental health centre and a dedicated mental health emergency department at Calnwood Court.

Luton is one of 17 locations across the East of England to get a slice of the cash, aimed improving mental health care by helping people receive support earlier and reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments.

The community mental health centre will offer walk-in support without the need for a GP referral.

It will bring together mental health specialists alongside services such as housing, employment and voluntary organisations to provide help before people reach crisis point.

The mental health emergency department will provide same-day specialist care for people experiencing a mental health crisis who do not require treatment in an emergency department.

Professor Edward Morris, regional medical director for NHS England, said: "All too often people in the East of England needing urgent support with their mental health will end up turning to a busy A&E department for help, which isn't always the best place for those people to be.

"That's why these new centres – bringing support closer to home, making it easier to get help before problems get worse, and offering crisis support in the right place – will be a lifeline for so many."

The announcement follows the success of a mental health urgent care centre at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, which opened in January 2025.

According to Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, more than 3,600 people used the service during its first 14 months, with 99 per cent assessed within an hour.

The trust says the service contributed to a 30 per cent reduction in mental health attendances at local emergency departments.

Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins said: "In Luton, and across the country, we have seen a growing mental health crisis and a deficit of support.

"I warmly welcome today's announcement of a new community mental health facility for our town, which will meet people who may be struggling where they are, sooner, and connect them with the right support. It is an important step in this Labour Government's mission to equalise health outcomes in communities across the country and redesign care for the future."

Luton North MP Sarah Owen added: "Luton's new community mental health hub will make it much easier for people with severe needs to get same-day, specialist care, without a referral and without waiting for months on end. This will make a huge difference for our town, helping people in need get back on their feet quicker.

"Mental health support works best when it's entrenched in the communities and people who need it. For those struggling, knowing where to look for support can be the most challenging part of getting help – and even then, long waiting lists get in the way. That's why the Prime Minister is rolling out new mental health hubs as a priority."

Across England, the NHS plans to open up to 159 new facilities. The first sites are expected to open from autumn 2026, with further facilities planned from March 2027. Final locations are yet to be confirmed.