COMMUNITY CENTRE WINS MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING

AN established community centre has received financial backing approaching one million pounds for capital spending in mental healthcare. 

Fearon Hall in Loughborough has received £925,000 from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board as part of the NHS England’s mental health capital programme. 

Since the 1970s, the hall has contributed towards community wellbeing with this latest funding part of bringing mental health care closer to where people live, delivered more quickly and integrated with other services. 

 Chair of Fearon Community Association Darryl Gough said: “We are delighted to have been selected for such an important project. It reflects the very hard work put in by the team at Fearon Hall to make the centre the vibrant community hub that it is today. We now want local people to get involved to have their say in how they want the new services to run, and we will be starting this in early 2026.”  

“Fearon Hall has long served as a safe, inclusive space for residents of Loughborough, offering opportunities for learning, social connection, and wellbeing. This partnership represents a major milestone in the NHS’ and Fearon Community Association’s commitment to building resilient, healthy neighbourhoods,” he added. 

One of only nine areas chosen nationally as part of a pilot project for the NHS long term plan Fearon Hall will work closely on the project with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. 

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Executive Director for Mental Health Tanya Hibbert said: “The new model will radically change how people experiencing mental health challenges can access more help in their own neighbourhoods.  This pioneering type of development is outlined in the new NHS Long-Term Plan; therefore we are thrilled to be included in this pilot stage and are proud to be only one of nine areas selected across the country.”  

Ms Hibbert said the team will be working closely with Fearon Community Association and their partners in the local authorities, wider NHS and voluntary sector to bring a truly collaborative approach to the exciting project.  

Leader of Charnwood Borough Council and councillor for Loughborough East Cllr Jewel Miah said Fearon Hall is a safe place for many residents and the funding will improve access to community programmes to improve health and wellbeing. 

“I am excited to see this investment into one of the council’s strategic partners. Fearon Hall is a safe space for many residents across Loughborough, and this NHS funding will help expand its offering and community programme to the local community, including access to mental health and wellbeing services,” said Cllr Miah.