Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) has been named as one of six providers nationally, to lead the development of a 24/7 mental health service pilot.

This autumn, the Trust will begin a phased opening of a neighbourhood centre in the east of Birmingham, working towards the provision of day and night support to local people aged 18 and over with serious mental illness, by spring 2025.

Funded by NHS England over two years, the pilot will adopt a successful model of mental health care used in other countries. Recognised by the World Health Organization, it is regarded by many BSMHFT mental health clinicians as one of the best models of mental health care in the world.

Promoting a person-centred and rights-based approach, the 24/7 centre will bring together all aspects of community mental health specialist care in the area, currently offered by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. This will include crisis care, home treatment, early intervention, community, rehabilitation and inpatient care integrated into a one team approach – serving a population of 40,000 people.

Birmingham’s Community Mental Health Centre (CMHC) is the only Midlands site chosen as part of the national programme, following the submission of a detailed bid earlier this year. The centre will be run by BSMHFT, in partnership with a range of local colleagues across health and social care including GPs, Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations and those with lived experience. The Trust is also being supported by former Medical Director of North Birmingham Mental Health Trust, Professor Sashi Sashidharan, who brings 30 years’ campaigning for and research into resolving inequalities in England’s mental health services.

Once the CMHC is fully established, anyone with serious mental health problems will be able to drop into the hub, at a location in the east of Birmingham, still to be confirmed. This will mean that those without an appointment will receive the support they need from a team of mental health professionals and peer support workers.

A whole range of help with health and livelihood will be offered, with people having access to support for important issues that are impacting their wellbeing and recovery.

The interventions provided will be based on consensual care with an open-door approach and working closely with family and care givers.

Fabida Aria, Medical Director at Birmingham and Solihull NHS Foundation Trust and the driving force behind the bid, said:

“This is really exciting news for Birmingham. Bringing a world-leading model of healthcare to the east of our city will transform mental health care and ensure thousands of people take control of their own care and get the help and support they need, closer to home. This is another great opportunity for us to work with our local communities and Experts by Experience to shape the services of the future and build on the successful community transformation work that we have already achieved.

“We are committed to putting people at the very heart of their care and recovery and want those who need our help to feel safe and cared for. This new approach will ensure people are looked after by the same familiar faces, whether they are at home, in crisis or need to stay in a bed.

“It is also about looking after the whole person, considering the physical health and social needs alongside their mental health.”

Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull’s Integrated Care Board, David Melbourne, added:

“This pilot has potential to be a huge step towards achieving our aims in Birmingham and Solihull of delivering the best possible care in our communities, as close to our patients and service users as possible.

“This tried and tested model has already supported thousands of patients overseas, and we are confident that this model means our partners at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health will be able to provide quality care for those with the most urgent need across east Birmingham.”

The pilot will run for two years with work already underway at BSMHFT to recruit to roles within the Community Mental Health Centre ahead of the phased opening in autumn.