Ealing is set to benefit from a new children's therapy centre and enhanced mental health hubs as part of a wider strategy to improve integrated and preventative care across the borough. The plans were discussed at a Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Carmelita House is undergoing refurbishment to become a dedicated children's therapy centre, offering bespoke services for both physical and mental health. This initiative is part of the Ealing Borough Based Partnership's (BBP) commitment to developing neighbourhood health services and strengthening partnership working. The refurbishment and opening of the centre are planned for the 2026/27 period.
In addition to the children's centre, the BBP is implementing an Assertive Outreach Team for mental health, designed to identify and support vulnerable individuals who struggle to access existing services. The rollout of Child Health Hubs across all Ealing neighbourhoods is also progressing, with five already operational and three more set to launch.
The borough will also see the opening of a new Neighbourhood Health Centre at Jubilee Gardens, a project that has received £3 million in funding for its upgrade. This centre is planned to open in 2026/27.
Furthermore, plans are in place to expand Frailty Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) to two additional neighbourhoods, aiming to provide proactive and coordinated care for older residents.
A significant development in mental health services will be the establishment of a 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre. This centre is designed with an open-access, no-wrong-door approach, aiming to provide least-restrictive and trauma-informed care in a non-emergency department environment. It will be co-produced with individuals with lived experience and voluntary, community, and faith sector partners.
These initiatives are underpinned by the Better Care Fund (BCF), which has a pooled budget of approximately £60 million for 2026/27. The BCF aims to shift services towards a neighbourhood health model, investing in preventative services, the voluntary sector, and initiatives to support residents in living independently for longer. The BCF plan has been approved by the national team and focuses on reducing hospital admissions, preventing admissions to care homes, and supporting residents with complex needs. You can find more details in the Public reports pack for the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, highlighted the importance of these developments in addressing health inequalities and ensuring residents receive care closer to home. Lizzie Bogle, Director of Transformation for West London NHS Trust and Acting Managing Director for Ealing BBP, stated that despite changes in governance, the development of these projects remains on track.
