Publish date: 10 November 2025
A new p
an-London Liaison and Diversion (L&D) service has launched to support individuals with mental health needs and other vulnerabilities when they come into contact with the criminal justice system. West London NHS Trust is proud to be part of this important initiative, working in partnership to deliver early intervention and tailored support across North London.
Led by the North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC), the new Integrated Non-Custodial Liaison and Diversion Service will operate across all police custody suites. These include the Metropolitan (Met) Police, City of London, British Transport Police (BTP), and Marine Policing, as well as Magistrates and Crown Courts.
For the first time in London, the service will also offer Primary Care Men’s Mental Health Treatment Requirements - supporting men over 18, involved in the criminal justice system and/or experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms. This provides a meaningful alternative to custody through psychological support and recovery-focused care.
This new pathway gives probation teams more options for community-based psychological support, helping to reduce custodial sentences and promote recovery.
The seven-year contract, which begins in November 2025, is being delivered alongside partners:
• North London Forensic Collaborative
• South London Mental Health and Community Partnership
• Waythrough, a UK charity providing a pan-London Community Link Worker service.
Our Trust’s Liaison and Diversion team will play a vital role in delivering early mental health assessments for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with neurodivergent conditions, substance misuse issues, or psychosocial challenges. The service is designed to identify needs as early as possible - often at the point of police contact - and guide individuals through four key stages: identification, screening, assessment, and referral.
The Men’s Mental Health Treatment Requirement pathway offers an alternative to prison, with tailored psychological support such as emotional skills training, trauma-informed therapy, and cognitive behavioural interventions. Interventions are co-produced with service users and designed to support long-term recovery.
Dr Catherine Penny, West London Forensic Services (WLFS) Clinical Director said: “Together, with our partner Trusts and the North London Forensic Collaborative Hub, we have developed high-quality forensic services. We are pleased to extend this model to support people with mental health needs in the criminal justice system. By offering early assessments, liaison and tailored psychological care, we help create alternatives to custody and ensure vulnerable people get the support they need to recover and thrive.”
This new service reflects our commitment to improving access to care, reducing health inequalities, and supporting vulnerable individuals at every stage of their journey.
Find out more about the Trust’s Liaison and Diversion Service here.