LONDON — The UK government has announced a £343 million expansion of community mental health services in England, with plans for 159 new NHS facilities designed to provide patients with earlier and more accessible support closer to home.

The programme is intended to strengthen local mental health care and reduce reliance on hospitals and emergency services. The new centres will provide a combination of community support and specialist crisis care, giving patients more opportunities to receive treatment before conditions become more serious.

The expansion represents a major shift towards preventative and community-based healthcare. Ministers say bringing services closer to local communities could make it easier for people to seek help and improve access to specialist support.

The announcement comes as NHS mental health providers face growing demand and financial pressure. Recent reporting has warned that some trusts are considering service reductions and staff cuts, highlighting the challenge of expanding access while maintaining existing services.

The success of the programme will depend on sustained staffing, funding and accessibility, particularly for people who currently face long waits for psychological and crisis support. The government says the new facilities are intended to make mental healthcare more accessible across England in the coming years.