NHS England mental health lead hails “inspiring” impact of Lewisham 24/7 Community Mental Health Centre
Staff and service users and carers were delighted to welcome Emma Christie, Deputy Director for Mental Health at NHS England (London), on her recent visit to the Lewisham 24/7 Community Mental Health Centre, led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Currently based at Southbrook Road in Lee, the Centre is one of six pilot sites funded by NHS England as part of a national programme exploring new ways to deliver more responsive, effective and accessible community mental health care.
Serving people in north central Lewisham, this pioneering service brings together professionals from community and primary care mental health services, alongside a newly expanded multidisciplinary team and experts by experience. Through close collaboration, the Centre aims to provide more joined-up, person-centred support tailored to the needs of local people.
During her visit, Emma Christie met with staff and service users to hear first-hand about the impact of the service. She said: “It was genuinely inspiring and humbling to hear about the positive difference the service is making to the lives and experiences of both service users and staff.”
Emma Christie expressed her sincere thanks to everyone involved for sharing their time and reflections so openly and said she looked forward to returning when the new centre opens in the Spring at Heather Close in Hither Green, Lewisham.
Lesa Bartlett, Operational Lead for the Lewisham 24/7 Community Mental Health Centre, said: “We had a wonderful afternoon talking with Emma about our learning and experience so far. It was so moving to hear our staff and service users, and their families speak with such passion about what we are trying to achieve together, and the difference this service is making for them.
“As the Centre continues to develop and embed, we are committed to sharing the life-changing impact it is having for local people. As part of this, over recent weeks, we have been delighted to host several visits from key partners and stakeholders.
“For example, in December our team spent a very valuable day with Professor, Roberto Mezzina, Chair of the International Mental Health Collaborating Network, who is supporting NHS England’s pilot programme as anexpert advisor and consultant, drawing on his international experience.
“We shared learning and insights, with a particular focus on our commitment to delivering a culturally appropriate service for our local community - building trust and local collaboration with a number of local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations through partnership awards. We are hugely grateful to all our partners and stakeholders for their continued support and encouragement.”
