What is being done and why
Nationally
NHS Long Term Plan26
- Focuses on integrated community mental health services for adults with severe mental illness.
- Expansion of mental health support teams (MHSTs) in schools.
- Target to support 345,000 more children and young people by 2024.
- Investment of £2.3 billion annually to expand services.
Mental Health Bill 202527
Aims to modernise mental health legislation and focuses on patient autonomy, rights and dignity in treatment.
National Mental Health Programme (NHS England)28
Addresses inequalities, technology-enabled interventions, and early identification for children and young people. Emphasises research and outcome data to improve services.
Centre for Mental Health Report 20251
Highlights rising mental health issues, especially among young people and deprived communities. It calls for timely access to support; tackling stigma; and addressing social determinants like poverty and debt.
Regionally
Anxious Minds Charity29
Offers counselling, drop-ins and tailored groups. Operates across the North East with 24/7 crisis services.
North East Public Mental Health Network30
Promotes mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Works across life stages and focuses on social determinants like housing, employment, and education.
NHS 111 Mental Health Option & Text Service31
24/7 crisis support via phone and text (“CALMER” to 85258). Self-help guides and talking therapies available across the region.
Locally
Hartlepool Community Trust32
Offers a wide range of services:
- Primary Care Mental Health Practitioners
- Social prescribing
- Crisis support (111, option 2)
- Peer support, counselling, holistic therapies, advocacy
LilyAnne’s Wellbeing33
Provides:
- Free trauma-informed counselling
- Peer support groups
- Walk-in support (no referral needed)
- Outreach and crisis response
Hartlepool Support Hub34
First point of contact for advice and care which offers:
- Wellbeing services (e.g. water therapy, circuit sessions)
- Supported internships (Project Search, VIP)
- Community connections and personalised plans
Family Hubs35
Support for parents, including:
- Perinatal and infant mental health team
- Dads Wellbeing Group
- Online emotional wellbeing guides
- Access to Togetherall (online mental health community)
One Life Hartlepool36
Central hub for NHS mental health services since July 2025. Offers comprehensive assessments and community support.