"There’s an increasing need for mental health support across the UK, and fast access to services has never been more important. "
- Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK
Bupa intends to open 200 mental health centres globally by 2027. In the UK, the provider will open 70 centres under the ‘mindplace’ banner, with the first 20 set to open in 2025. Guildford, Reading, and Bristol have been identified as localities with the highest demand for dedicated support.
These centres respond to rising demand for access to mental health services in the UK, with one in four adults experiencing some form of mental health concern each year. Bupa has also seen an increase in mental health-related claims, with a 20% annual rise in people seeking mental health support since 2020.
Bupa’s mental health centres will offer access to face-to-face talking therapies, including counselling, psychology, psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Initially, these services will be restricted to Bupa’s UK insurance policyholders, but self-pay customers will have access shortly after.
“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’s an increasing need for mental health support across the UK, and fast access to services has never been more important,” stressed Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK.
He believes these 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,” Carlos added.
