Bupa has opened a new mental health facility in London aimed at expanding access to psychological support for working-age adults, amid increasing concern over the impact of mental ill-health on workforce productivity and employer healthcare costs.

The new Mindplace Broadgate centre, located near Liverpool Street Station, is part of Bupa’s wider plan to open 70 mental health centres across the UK by 2027.

The facility is expected to treat more than 400 patients per week and will initially be available to the insurer’s business and UK insurance customers.

The move comes as insurers and employers continue to report rising demand for mental health services, particularly among younger employees.

Bupa said mental health claims among younger workers had doubled since 2019, while poor mental health is contributing to an estimated 448,000 lost workdays annually.

The insurer cited findings from its ‘Healthy Workforce, Healthy Economy’ report, which suggested that faster access to mental health treatment through private medical provision could generate a £360 million boost to the UK economy by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism.

The report estimated London employers alone could save £58.6 million through improved workforce wellbeing and earlier intervention.

For the international health and travel insurance sector, the expansion reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating mental health support into corporate health plans and employee assistance programmes.

Sarah Melia, General Manager for Health Services at Bupa, said: “There is an increasing need for mental health support across the UK, and fast access to services has never been more important; early interventions improve outcomes.”

The Broadgate centre offers face-to-face counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), alongside group therapy services.

The site will operate seven days a week with extended opening hours designed to accommodate working professionals.