People can endure weeks or months waiting for therapy, crisis support, or medication reviews. This delay often worsens distress and can lead to preventable emergencies or hospital admissions. We believe in zero-wait, self-referral hubs that offer peer support and on-site medication reviews, providing immediate, trauma-informed care, reducing A&E pressures, and ensuring safer, more effective treatment.

To address this urgent need, we call on every Integrated Care Board (ICB) to establish self-referral mental-health hubs, staffed by lived-experience practitioners, that are open from 10 am to 10 pm, without requiring ID checks. These hubs would offer same-day peer triage, one-hour support sessions, medication reviews, and collaborate closely with therapy and crisis teams.

The implementation of these hubs will transform the way mental-health services are accessed, ensuring that no one has to wait endlessly for the support they desperately need. By offering a safe space with immediate access to care, these hubs will effectively meet the mental health needs of communities, reducing the strain on emergency services and leading to healthier outcomes.

Research shows that quick access to mental health support is critical. According to Mental Health Foundation, nearly 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in England. With the population covered by each ICB reaching up to 1 million, it's essential we ensure accessible, immediate care is available to prevent deterioration of mental health conditions.

We urge decision-makers to prioritise mental health by implementing these accessible hubs, giving individuals the opportunity to receive timely support and care. Please support our petition to make this vital change a reality.