Why same-day access to support matters
The right mental health support can change lives. It can stop people reaching crisis point. It can save lives.
The first conversation should be easy to access and immediate. It should make every person feel seen, taken seriously and supported.
But too many of us have a very different experience. We ask for help but are told to wait. We tell our stories but don’t feel heard. We get offered support but it’s not right for who we are and what we need.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Our report: Opening doors
We’ve spoken to people who use mental health services and the staff who deliver them. Through our research, we know that the current system in England isn’t able to ensure people get the care they need.
Too many people are left waiting too long for care that only partially meets their needs. And staff are left carrying the burden of a system that prevents them from delivering the quality of care they want to.
Our report sets out the need for a new model of mental health care in England, based on same-day open access. It focuses on what high-quality mental health support should look like, why this isn’t being realised, and why rethinking access to support is critical to addressing rising demand and improving the quality of services.
Opening Doors in Wales
We're on the path to changing what mental health care looks like in Wales. Both the last and current Welsh governments have committed to moving to a same-day open access model. This new model would provide support on the day someone asks for help, without the need for a referral.
Now the Welsh government needs to build on its commitment and make sure that this new approach is fully funded and implemented, and works for everyone.
Read our report setting out the changes we want to see to mental health support in Wales.
Join our campaign
We're campaigning to transform the future of mental health support by fighting for 'same-day open access' – however we ask for help, we should be seen, really seen, the same day.
The current situation isn’t sustainable. More people need support. Waiting lists are only getting longer. We need a new answer.
So we’re building a movement to make this happen. People with lived experience. Health professionals. Policy makers. Politicians. Everyone who can see that same-day open access is better for our mental health and our mental health system.
With same-day open access, we get the support we need, when we need it and before problems grow.
It's time for all of us to stand up and say, "see me now".
I've spent years fighting to be heard. And I'm exhausted by having to prove how unwell I am, just to be considered worthy of support. No one should have to reach crisis before getting help.
Natalie
What we’re calling for
However we ask for help, we should be seen the same day. That first conversation might happen face-to-face, online or over the phone. But it should always leave us feeling hopeful, understood and on the path to the support we need.
This isn’t a pipe dream.
Local Minds have worked like this for years. They open their doors each day, never quite knowing who will walk through, but ready to provide support and look for solutions.
Let's reimagine our mental health system.
Imagine no more endless waiting lists. No more getting bounced from one mental health service to the next. No more feeling worse while we wait for help.
We’re not saying it will be easy. But something being tough is no reason not to do it.
During my darkest moments, compassionate professionals helped me find hope and belief in my future… My hope is for a mental health system where every person feels heard, supported and empowered.
Alison