New place of safety opens to support people in mental health crisis
Date added: 23 October 2026
Last updated: 23 October 2026
People experiencing a mental health crisis across Kent and Medway will have a new place to receive urgent help and support following the opening of a Health-Based Place of Safety at Priority House in Maidstone.
The new service brings together care previously provided across 3 sites, giving adults who need an urgent mental health assessment a safe, calm and therapeutic environment to receive support. It also supports closer working between NHS colleagues and police, helping people experiencing a mental health crisis access the care they need.
The new suite supports the wider NHS aim of providing timely, compassionate mental health care, with services working together to respond to people’s needs.
It will welcome its first patient in early November. The service supports adults who need an urgent mental health assessment under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, which allows police to take someone to a place of safety when they believe the person needs urgent mental health care.
The new building includes private rooms for assessments and spaces where people can take time to feel calmer, as well as access to outdoor areas. It has been designed to protect people’s privacy and dignity and help them feel safe during a difficult time.
The place of safety was officially opened today, Friday 23 October, by Rob Marsh, Superintendent and Head of the Force Strategic Prevention Command for Kent Police.
Julie Kirby, Acting Chief Nurse at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “This new Health-Based Place of Safety is an important investment in mental health care across Kent and Medway. Bringing services together in one dedicated place will help us provide more consistent, compassionate care for adults who need an urgent assessment.
“Colleagues, people with personal experience of mental health services, carers and partner organisations have all helped shape the environment, which is designed around people’s needs and wellbeing.”
NHS colleagues and Kent Police often work together when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. The new place of safety provides a dedicated setting for urgent assessments and supports this partnership.
Rob Marsh, Superintendent and Head of the Force Strategic Prevention Command for Kent Police, said: “When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, getting the right help quickly can make a real difference. Police officers are often among the first to respond, so having a dedicated place for specialist mental health assessments is important.
“This new service is a positive achievement for our partnership. It reflects our shared commitment to working together so that people experiencing a mental health crisis can access the care and support they need.”
The new suite is part of a wider range of mental health crisis services available across Kent and Medway. People can also call NHS 111 and select option for mental health support. Other services include safe havens, crisis houses, home treatment teams and rapid response services.
