Share your views on the adult mental health place of safety proposal
Hywel Dda University Health Board is inviting service users, carers, staff, partner organisations and members of the public to share their views on the future location of its adult Section 136 Place of Safety service.
Section 136 is part of the Mental Health Act that gives police emergency powers. Police officers can use these to take a person experiencing a mental health crisis in a public place for up to 24 hours to a designated place of safety, where they can receive an assessment and appropriate support. The Health Board has a statutory responsibility to provide this service.
The engagement will run from 1 September to 26 October 2026 and will gather feedback on a preferred option to develop a dedicated adult Section 136 suite at Cwm Seren, St David's Park, Carmarthen.
The preferred location for the place of safety for Hywel Dda has been identified following a multi-agency options appraisal process involving partners including Dyfed-Powys Police, local authorities, West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) and Llais.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the place of safety for Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire has been consolidated to Bryngofal ward in Llanelli. The proposal follows a review of existing facilities, which highlighted environmental and staffing challenges. Potential models for future provision were assessed as part of the appraisal process considering quality, safety, patient experience, workforce, sustainability, operational requirements and statutory responsibilities.
The assessment concluded that a dedicated facility at Cwm Seren would provide the safest, most clinically effective and sustainable model of care. While no single location can eliminate travel for all individuals, Carmarthen provides the most central location across the Health Board footprint and reduces travel times for many individuals and professionals from Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. It would also offer immediate access to specialist mental health support, improved management of acute risk and better access to physical healthcare services when required.
The engagement seeks feedback on the preferred option, its potential impact on individuals and communities, and any measures that could help reduce or address concerns.
The Health Board is inviting people to share their views in the following ways before Monday 26 October 2026:
- Completing an anonymous survey via the questionnaire below.
- Emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk
- By requesting a paper copy through the Health Board's Communications Hub on 0300 303 8322 (option 5) and returning it via FREEPOST HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD
- Calling the Health Board's Communications Hub on 0300 303 8322 (option 5)
Targeted engagement will also take place with people with lived experience of mental health issues, with participation supported and facilitated by mental health support organisations.
Feedback received during the engagement period will help inform the Health Board's consideration of the preferred option and support future decision-making regarding the provision of Section 136 Place of Safety services across Hywel Dda.