Birmingham's first 24/7 mental health centre is transforming lives, with one guest saying: "I come in here crying but I leave smiling." The Golden Hillock Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre (NMHC) officially opened on May 12, offering round-the-clock support for adults in Small Heath, Heartlands, and Bordesley Green.
A New Approach to Mental Health Care
The centre, one of only six national pilot sites, moved into the former Ghamkol Sharif Education Centre earlier this year, leaving its temporary base at Omnia GP Practice. It has already supported 550 new referrals. Facilities include shared living and kitchen spaces, areas for reflection and wellbeing, and bedrooms for short stays.
Guests Share Their Experiences
Claire Hastings-Spaine, 48, who suffers from depression, anxiety, and psychosis, said: "The new centre is really good. I was a bit dubious at first, but once I got used to the people it's a really good place to come. I can come in here crying and I can go out of here smiling. Coming here and talking, having the availability of someone to talk to is really great." She contrasted it with her previous centre, which required appointments: "By the time you've got the appointment, I could be in a completely different mindset. Here, you can come and speak to somebody when you're feeling like that."
Darren Westwood, 43, who has schizophrenia, now runs art classes at the centre. "I think the new building is beautiful, you are comfortable. It's great for people who are struggling. For me, it's great and just down the road. The art is really good for me and it's an achievement when I do the session."
NHS Leaders Praise the Centre
Roísìn Fallon Williams, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, said: "When people come here, they are greeted openly, offered tea and coffee. It's not that traditional, you've come for an appointment, book in and go and sit in an unfamiliar clinical setting. The newness is the approach. If you come through the door, whatever your level of need we will find a way to get you in a service in a timely way."
David Melbourne, Chief Executive of the new NHS Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull ICB, added: "It's a wonderful facility in one of our most deprived wards. This encapsulates neighbourhood care closer to home. I think it will be enormous for people here. Access is all too often an issue, and unfortunately we see too many people landing at Heartlands Hospital A&E. This stops that." He expressed a desire to roll out the model across the region.
