Bupa is to open 70 mental health centres across the UK, with the first 20 set to launch in 2025.
The provider attributes the launch of the mental health centres, called mindplace, to rising demand for access to mental health services in the UK.
The first centres will open in Guildford, Reading and Bristol – localities identified with the highest demand for dedicated support.
By the end of 2025, 17 more will open. And a further 50 will open through 2026 and 2027.
There will be 200 mindplace centres across Bupa’s global locations by the end of 2027.
Initially accessible to Bupa’s four million UK insurance customers, the centres will offer access to face-to-face talking therapies including counselling, psychology, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and will be available to self-pay customers shortly after.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “As the leading provider of healthcare services to businesses across the UK, from FTSE100 organisations to SMEs, we know that keeping workforces healthy and in work is a primary concern for employers.
“Since 2020, demand for mental health services has grown exponentially for the workforce and their wider family unit, particularly young people.
“There is an increasing need for mental health support across the UK and fast access to services has never been more important.
“Mindplace centres will help people get fast access to face-to-face care.
“They reflect our commitment to prevention, identifying urgent needs amongst our customers where early intervention can lead to better health outcomes.
“With no shareholders, this reinvestment of our profits enables us to develop solutions that support and mitigate pressure on healthcare systems over the long term.”