Blog: Community-based support key to fixing London’s mental health crisis

11 May 2026

The assertion that we are in the grip of a mental health ‘crisis’ or ‘pandemic’ is something said so often that we are losing sight of the true sense of urgency and impact.[1]  According to Hestia’s London Mental Health Index 2025, an estimated 4.2 million Londoners are currently experiencing poor mental health. More than half of adult Londoners (58%) report experiencing three or more symptoms of mental distress in the past year alone - that’s up 9% on the previous year.

But behind these numbers are people. People struggling to cope, often silently and without the support they desperately need.

NHS mental health services are under growing pressure, and emergency departments are stretched beyond their limits. Too often, people in crisis are left with a stark choice: wait months or even years for clinical support, turn to emergency departments, or struggle alone.

This is why community-based, non-clinical crisis support is vital. These are safe, welcoming neighbourhood spaces where people can walk in without an appointment, referral, or fear of judgement.

“Too often, people in crisis are left with a stark choice: wait months or even years for clinical support, turn to emergency departments, or struggle alone.”

Rather than focusing on diagnosis or clinical pathways, they prioritise stability: a safe space, a listening ear, and timely, human support. They are not “nice to haves”; they are often the difference between a crisis escalating or easing.

Mental health crises are often rooted in everyday realities: relationship breakdown, financial strain, housing insecurity. When people are ready, our teams help them find practical paths forward by connecting them with specialist support.

Hestia currently runs 13 community-based crisis and recovery hubs across London, supporting thousands of people every year – 5,000 Londoners used our services last year alone. Crucially, these services often operate outside traditional hours,  when many statutory services are closed but the need can be greatest.

We’re proud to be working in partnership with NHS trusts and local authorities to reshape crisis care across our city.  However, access to crisis support in our capital remains far too patchy. At Hestia, we believe everyone should be able to access the support they need within walking distance of their home.

“When people are ready, our teams help them find practical paths forward by connecting them with specialist support”

As demand continues to rise, provision must keep pace. We need sustained, long-term investment in community-based crisis support - not short-term pilots, but embedded services in every community.   We also need better integration with NHS and social care systems, so people in need are not left to fall through the gaps.

This is not some utopian vision; it is entirely achievable. But it does rely on long-term thinking, long-term funding and a willingness for different sectors to work collaboratively for the good of all Londoners. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has somewhere to turn in a crisis.

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