New £1.5m Bedford Crisis House set to transform local mental health support

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

FRIDAY 30th JANUARY 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern MP has welcomed investment in Kelvin Grove Crisis House in Bedford, a new addition to the local area’s mental health support system, due to open in spring 2026.  

This innovative service, run by East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), will provide a safe, domestic, therapeutic alternative to hospital admission for adults experiencing acute mental health crisis. 

Backed by £1.5 million in capital funding from NHS England, the Kelvin Grove Crisis House forms a key part of ELFT’s wider Mental Health Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Programme, designed to alleviate significant pressures on inpatient beds and A&E services across Bedfordshire and Luton. 

The crisis house will feature, 11 rooms with 24/7 support, jointly delivered by ELFT and SIG Penrose. The service will be working with users to in co‑designed spaces to ensure support can be delivered in as welcoming an environment as possible.  

By offering early intervention in a less restrictive, trauma‑informed environment, the service aims to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, ensuring people can access faster, more compassionate alternatives to inpatient care closer to home.  

Strathern has campaigned on the need for greater focus on mental health support since he was first elected. The Government’s has committed to investing in a national infrastructure for mental health. This has included funding for mental health staff in schools and a youth hub in every town across the country. Plus, Best Start Hubs, relaunch of Sure Start, will include mental health support for young families.  

Alistair Strathern MP said: 

“I am delighted to support the development of the Kelvin Grove Crisis House.  

“Mental health is rightly an important priority for our communities, and this new service provides a much‑needed, compassionate alternative to hospital admission for people across Bedfordshire and beyond. 

“For too long, people at moments of crisis have faced long waits for support, or been forced to use hospital provision which isn’t always most appropriate.  

“Repurposing this historic building into a modern, therapeutic space shows what can be achieved when partners work together for the benefit of local residents. 

“I’m glad the Government is committed to boosting mental health provision, and investing in services like this will be a vital part of that work.” 

Notes for Editors 

Alongside Kelvin Grove, more than £1 million is being invested to expand inpatient capacity across Bedfordshire and Luton.  

Construction at Kelvin Grove began in December 2025 following planning approval.