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Community single point of access (CSPA) - Launches in Barnet
The North London Foundation Trust are excited to announce a new initiative aimed at simplifying and improving access to mental health services across the five boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, and Haringey. The community single point of access (CSPA) will streamline the referral process for adults and older adults seeking mental health support, ensuring a more efficient, consistent, and user-friendly experience for both referrers and individuals.
Why this matters?
In line with national and North Central London (NCL) strategies, we are introducing a "no-wrong-door" approach to make it easier for referrers to connect individuals with the appropriate mental health services without unnecessary delays. With over 2,000 referrals currently being processed each month, mostly from GPs, this initiative will help reduce administrative burdens and response times, providing a more coordinated system for those in need of care.
By building on the success of the SPA developed for Children and Young People’s Services and drawing on best practices from other Trusts, we are ensuring that the new system is not only effective but also adaptable to meet the needs of our communities.
What does this mean for referrers?
Simplified referrals: Referrers, including GPs and voluntary sector organisations, will benefit from a more streamlined process, ensuring that referrals are directed to the right service without unnecessary delays or handovers.
Improved coordination : The new system will reduce administrative workload and help referrers navigate the mental health services landscape more efficiently, allowing them to focus more on their patients or clients.
Faster response times : With a coordinated and efficient referral system, referrers can expect quicker responses from services, ensuring better outcomes for those in need.
What does this mean for service users?
Faster, more effective care : With quicker connections to the appropriate services , service users can expect more timely and relevant care.
A " no- wrong- d oor" approach : Service users can feel confident that they will be connected to the right service, no matter where they start their journey, reducing the risk of being passed around or lost in the system.
Starting in Barnet
As of Tuesday 1 April 2025 , we will be launching the first phase of the Community SPA in Barnet . This initial phase will allow us to learn from how Barnet experiences the new system, gathering valuable feedback and insights. These learnings will be used to refine and improve the system, ensuring it’s as effective as possible before we roll it out across the remaining four boroughs—Camden, Enfield, Islington, and Haringey.
Barnet referrers will be contacted separately about the changes and what is means for them.
We’ll share information on the role out as it happens.
Get involved
We are committed to working together with referrers, service users, and staff to design and implement this new approach. Your insights are vital to ensuring that the Community SPA meets the needs of all those it serves.
For more information or to share your thoughts, please contact~
Emily Barber, Service Development Programme Manager at Emily.barber9@nhs.net
To learn more about this initiative and how it will improve mental health service access, visit our webiste page.
The webpage will be kept up to date with details as this project progresses.
