LOCAL health board members will be asked to consider the outcome of a multi-agency options appraisal, which has identified a dedicated Section 136 suite at Cwm Seren at St David’s Park, Carmarthen, as a preferred Place of Safety under the Mental Health Act.

Section 136 allows police officers to take a person experiencing a mental health crisis in a public place to a designated place of safety, where they can receive an assessment and appropriate support. Health Boards have a statutory responsibility to provide this service.

Hywel Dda University Health Board will consider a proposal to begin public and staff engagement on the future location at its Board meeting on Thursday, July 30.

The proposal follows a review of existing facilities, which highlighted environmental and staffing challenges across a number of sites, and extensive work with partners including Dyfed-Powys Police, local authorities, West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) and Llais.

If approved by the Board, an eight-week programme of engagement will take place from September 2 to October 26. The engagement will seek views from staff, service users, carers, partner organisations and local communities on the preferred option, its potential impacts and any measures that could help mitigate them.

The preferred option was identified following an assessment of five possible models. The appraisal concluded that a dedicated facility at Cwm Seren would provide the safest, most clinically effective and sustainable model of care, offering immediate access to specialist mental health support, improved management of acute risk, and better access to physical healthcare services when required.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “People who are detained under Section 136 are often experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and it is essential that we provide a safe, supportive environment where they can receive timely assessment.

“No decisions have yet been made. Subject to Board approval, we will want to hear from staff, people with lived experience, carers, partner organisations and members of the public before any final decision is considered. Their feedback will be an important part of the process.”

Board meeting papers are available on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website.

The meeting will be available to watch live from 9.30am on Thursday, July 30, at https://hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/your-health-board/board-meetings-2026