Issue

Mental Health

28 stories · discussed at 25 council meetings · 24 councils

Councils are focusing on Mental Health Act reforms, service provision, and safeguarding, with new funding and strategies being implemented.

Kingston Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed reforms to the Mental Health Act 2025 in July 2026, which aim to modernise legislation and enhance patient autonomy. A new code of practice is expected in 2027-2028, with a public consultation anticipated in early 2027. In July 2026, Camden Council's Cabinet approved a £5.5 million procurement strategy for community-based early intervention and prevention services over five years.

A new mental health centre in Tower Hamlets reported increased engagement from the Asian population and reduced inpatient bed use in July 2026. Brent's Safeguarding Adults Board approved new priorities in March 2026, including mental health and suicide prevention. Croydon Council committed £4 million to the voluntary sector for youth mental health initiatives in March 2026.

A report to Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board in March 2026 highlighted that autistic residents face difficulties accessing mental health services. In January 2026, a report to Redbridge's Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee noted that mental health patients experienced prolonged waits in A&E. Wandsworth's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed strategic priorities in September 2026.

Key facts

  1. Kingston Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed reforms to the Mental Health Act 2025 in July 2026. Source
  2. Camden Council's Cabinet approved a £5.5 million procurement strategy for mental health services in July 2026. Source
  3. A new mental health centre in Tower Hamlets saw a 38% boost in Asian community engagement in July 2026. Source
  4. Brent's Safeguarding Adults Board approved new priorities, including mental health and suicide prevention, in March 2026. Source
  5. Croydon Council committed £4 million for youth mental health initiatives in March 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 4

  1. Islington to Review Play Spaces Amid Green Space Concerns Islington Council is set to review its play spaces and services, addressing concerns about the lack of green spaces in the borough and the impact on children's development. The... Islington 20 July 2025
  2. Wandsworth Approves Direct Award for Mental Health Support Wandsworth Council has approved a direct award contract to Hestia for accommodation-based services for adults with mental health support needs, ensuring continuity of care for... Wandsworth 17 July 2025
  3. Bromley Schools Face £7.3M Overspend, SEN Costs a Key Driver Bromley schools are facing a significant financial challenge, with a projected £7.3 million overspend, primarily driven by the rising costs of special educational needs (SEN).... Bromley 17 July 2025
  4. Mental Health Concerns Drive High Absence Rates at Wandsworth Council Wandsworth Council is grappling with high absence rates, with mental health concerns identified as the leading cause of long-term and overall employee absences. Exit interviews... Wandsworth 16 July 2025