NHS North West London has announced an ambitious plan to improve mental health services for adults across its eight boroughs. This new strategy focuses on strengthening community support, making best use of digital innovations and ensuring equitable access to high-quality care.
The refreshed strategy, developed in collaboration with service users, clinicians, and local partners, sets out a dynamic, phased approach to delivering modern and sustainable mental health care. While the initial phase concentrates on adult community and inpatient services, future expansions will encompass children and young people’s (CYP) mental health support.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to shaping this strategy. Your insights and experiences have been instrumental in designing a modern, inclusive, and effective mental health system.
Key enhancements in mental health services
Stronger community mental health support
- Closer integration of mental health care with primary care and community resources through Neighbourhood Teams
- Expanded 24/7 community-based crisis services, providing timely support and reducing reliance on A&E
- Increased capacity in community mental health teams to enhance access and significantly reduce waiting times.
Pioneering digital innovations
- Introduction of cutting-edge digital models of care, improving navigation and accessibility of services
- Implementation of interactive patient-facing tools, including Kooth for CYP, and exploration of additional digital solutions
- Investment in advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools to track outcomes and drive continuous improvement in care quality.
Proactive population health management
- A joined-up approach to mental health care across multiple sectors, ensuring holistic and person-centred support
- Targeted interventions for underserved communities, reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes
- Smarter demand and capacity planning at a system level to optimise resources and enhance service responsiveness.
Building a resilient and skilled workforce
- Ambitious recruitment and retention strategies to expand workforce capacity and enhance service continuity
- Strengthened training programmes, including apprenticeships and cultural competency development, to reflect the needs of diverse communities
- Introduction of new professional roles to modernise service delivery and reduce dependence on agency staffing.
Ensuring equity and accessibility for all
- A commitment to providing equitable mental health support tailored to the unique needs of north west London’s diverse population.
- A focus on reducing disparities in health outcomes while boosting service efficiency and productivity.
- Expanding crisis care alternatives and launching awareness campaigns to ensure everyone knows how to access support when needed.
Empowering prevention and early intervention
- A strategic emphasis on preventing mental health challenges through early intervention and community-based wellbeing initiatives
- Tackling key social determinants of mental health, including housing, employment, and education
- Expanding access to talking therapies and enhancing early intervention in psychosis services for better long-term outcomes.
A commitment to lasting change
This refreshed strategy reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering timely, innovative, and high-quality mental health services. By integrating community support, harnessing digital advancements, and investing in workforce development, we will ensure that all adults in north west London have access to the mental health care they deserve.
Together, we are shaping a future where mental health support is more proactive, inclusive, and effective than ever before.
If you have comments or questions please email nhsnwl.communications.nwl@nhs.net with the heading Mental Health Strategy.
