The Heather Close Mental Health Centre in Hither Green was officially opened today by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, marking a major step forward in its delivery of person-centred and joined up community care.
Opening in advance of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 – the Centre represents the culmination of extensive engagement, collaboration and co-design with local service users, carers, community partners and Trust staff.
In 2024, Lewisham was selected as one of six areas in the country by NHS England to develop a new approach to delivering community mental health care. This aims to provide round-the-clock support through local centres offering treatment, therapies and wellbeing services, alongside access to voluntary and community support, crisis care and 24/7 guest beds for those in need of increased mental health support for up to seven days.
The Centre at Heather Close, previously one of the Trust’s rehab units, has been extensively renovated with more than £2.5 million in funding from Maudsley Charity and marks an important milestone for the Trust. It has been shaped directly by those who use services, reflecting years of local engagement and partnership-building to better meet the needs and aspirations of Lewisham’s diverse communities.
The Heather Close programme which is aimed at adult service users in north central Lewisham, initially launched in late Spring 2025 from a temporary site and has already contributed to a notable reduction in mental health-related A&E attendances, fewer Community Treatment Orders, and a decline in detentions under the Mental Health Act.
Learning from this programme and from elsewhere, is already being put into practice at other Trust community mental health centres as part of our Community Care Development Programme (launched in Summer 2025), to start maximising the benefits for all service users as soon as possible.
Restoring confidence in mental health services and ensuring culturally relevant care have been central priorities. To support this, the Trust has strengthened partnerships with local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The launch of the Lewisham VCSE Cooperative in September 2025 represents a significant shift in approach, enabling both grassroots groups and larger charities to play a meaningful role in delivering services, enriching provision and supporting the community – with a partnership award to 13 local VCSE organisations to provide culturally appropriate care in the community.
Jane Bailey, Chair, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
“The opening of Heather Close Community Mental Health Centre marks a major milestone for our Trust and for Lewisham. We are very proud to have been selected by NHS England as a national pilot and grateful for their support and to Maudsley Charity for their enormous generosity in funding the transformation of this building.
“This Centre is first and foremost about improving outcomes for those we serve and their families. With the support of our funders and our partners in the Lewisham Mental Health Alliance, we are turning that ambition into reality.
“Our journey has been shaped by many people, with co-production at its heart. Through new partnerships and a cooperative approach, this Centre will be a catalyst for change in our borough and beyond – delivering services that are more accessible, more culturally relevant, and better equipped to meet the needs of our diverse community and we are excited about the difference it will make in the years ahead.”
Professor Derek Tracy, Chief Medical Officer and Joint Programme Senior Responsible Officer, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This Centre is far more than a new building — it represents a new way of working, one that places people at its heart and ensures their voices continue to shape the future of care in Lewisham. We are grateful to our architects Floyd Slaski for translating the needs and ideas of our staff, service users and carers into this beautiful space – somewhere we hope people will feel welcome, safe and supported on their journey to recovery.
“We are delivering significant change, and I am incredibly proud of our staff – their hard work, passion and commitment to involve service users and families at every stage. Together we have created a Centre that is more responsive, more inclusive, and better equipped to meet people’s needs — truly reflecting what matters most to our community.”
Rev. Steve Lawrence and Michelle Nembhard, Joint Chairs, Lewisham Independent Advisory Group, said:
“We sincerely hope, this Centre will offer a supportive space where people can access the care they need, build connections, and feel part of a community. We believe that by listening to constant feedback from communities this will reflect a clear commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for all those needing mental health support in Lewisham.
“The co-design process has been an improvement in building relationships with communities however we are not there yet. This will need constant effort to ensure involvement from the start of the process in order to shape not only the services but also foster a strong sense of ownership and pride among those of us who have been involved throughout. This is a place we have all helped to build — and one where we hope the voices of service users and carers will be heard and valued.
“We encourage a commitment to collaboration, open communication and ongoing feedback from service users and their families, and we hope this Centre — and others across the Trust — will grow and evolve in response to the communities they serve.”
Sarah Holloway, Chief Executive, Maudsley Charity, said:
“At Maudsley Charity our vision is a world where everyone who experiences illness has the care and support that’s right for them. We’re proud to fund the refurbishment of Heather Close and most importantly, to see its doors open for extended hours as part of a 24/7 offer of care in the community to local people who rely on mental health services.
“This is a vital initiative bringing care to the heart of the community, and by providing wraparound support, advisory services and activities, it will help people better manage their illness, avoid crises and enjoy more stable lives. This will have a positive impact, not just for them, but for their families and carers as well.
“We’re also funding a high-quality evaluation from leading researchers at King’s College London that will inform adoption of this model in other parts of the UK.”
