The Network consultation

We asked:

We asked for your views on a proposal to continue or close the Network service. An 8-week public consultation on the future of the service was undertaken from 19 May 2025 to 14 July 2025.

You said:

132 people responded to the consultation. Of these, a total of 43 were people who use (25 people) or have used (18 people) the Network, 8 were friends or family, and 22 were residents. Whilst not the primary audience for the consultation, 59 professionals also responded. This group included people employed by the NHS, the council and the VCS, responding as individuals.

Of the 43 people who use or have used the service, 30 people or 70% opposed closing the Network and 11 people or 26% supported closure.

Of 8 friends/family, 8 people or 100% opposed closure.

Of residents, 14 people or 64% opposed closing the Network, and 7 people or 32% supported cloure.

Of professionals, 44 people or 74% opposed closing the Network and 12 people or 21% supported closure.

In total, 96 people or 73% of all groups who responded to the consultation opposed the closure and 30 or 23% supported closure.

The consultation showed that a high proportion of people who use or have used the Network also use other mental health services. 56% were engaged with other mental health services. The most common services used were the Barnet Wellbeing Service, the mental health trust, NHS talking therapies and Mind, with the most common frequency of engagement being weekly.

Of the 59 professionals who responded to the consultation, 35 were NHS staff. Comments from professionals show that they make referrals to cover the period while people are waiting for other mental health support; and also that people already engaged with secondary mental health services are being referred to the Network.

People who opposed the closure of the Network cited the positive impact it had on supporting people’s mental health needs. Some respondents appreciated the courses and groups the Network provide. Some respondents also indicated that closing the service would leave a gap and increase pressure and waiting times for other services. There were also specific references to the Network service filling a gap in provision whilst people wait for NHS mental health services. There were views shared that people use the service to help with their isolation and support opportunities for socialisation.

People who supported the closure of the Network cited the following: concerns around the council’s financial position and that there were possible cost efficiency opportunities and ways in which the funding could be better utilised. Others stated that there were alternative services available in the community that could potentially support people who use the Network Service. Some people raised concerns about service quality and effectiveness and low usage of the service. Some respondents identified that there were opportunities to make service improvements or redesign the offer.

We did:

We took all the feedback into consideration. On 16 September 2025, Cabinet approved the decision to close the Network Service due to decline in usage of the service; availability of alternative services to meet the same needs; and the council’s financial position. In line with the post decision implementation plan set out in the Cabinet report, it is necessary to review and restructure the service.

The recommendation approved by Cabinet stated there will be a robust transition plan to ensure that current programmes being delivered are completed, and that people who may require onward referral are appropriately assisted to access support. To ensure that referral pathways for information, advice and support, and ongoing social care involvement are understood, the council’s social care teams will continue to be part of the joint case meetings (JCM), which are weekly referral meetings held by the Wellbeing Hub and the North London Mental Health Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

In implementing the transition plan, social care council officers will work in partnership with NHS and voluntary and community sector agencies to ensure a stable transition and monitor any impact. As part of the transition plan, any residents with Care Act eligible needs will be referred to the council’s mental health social work team to undertake an assessment, with support, information and signposting as appropriate with them.

Residents who are currently using the service will receive a letter from their key worker. If residents feel they need additional support they can have a Care Needs Assessment by our Adult Social Care Teams, who can tailor support to them individually. They can do this by telephoning Social Care Direct on 020 8359 5000.

Following the Cabinet decision Adult Social Care has written to key referrers, partners and stakeholders informing them of the Cabinet decision.