Mental Health & Dementia Facilities Forum 2026
Better spaces start with better conversations
24–25 November 2026 | The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield
How do we create mental health and dementia environments that genuinely support dignity, safety, wellbeing and recovery?
The Mental Health & Dementia Facilities Forum (MHDF) brings together the people shaping the future of mental health and dementia care environments, from NHS estates teams, healthcare leaders and architects to designers, project managers and specialist suppliers.
Taking place over one and a half days, the 2026 Forum explores the theme Built to Care: Prioritising Human-Centred Design, creating opportunities to share knowledge, challenge established approaches and discover practical solutions that put people at the heart of design.
Through expert-led discussions, pre-arranged one-to-one meetings and dedicated networking, MHDF connects those planning and delivering care environments with the expertise, products and partnerships that can help turn ideas into meaningful change.
From design principles to practical solutions
This year’s programme explores some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing mental health and dementia environments.
Mental Health Urgent Care: Designing for Safety, Dignity and Better Outcomes
A panel discussion will explore the new Good Design Principles developed jointly by NHS England and the Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN). Bringing together lived experience, clinical perspectives and design expertise, the session will consider how these principles can inform environments that better support people experiencing mental health crises and those delivering care.
Rethinking Dementia Support: A New Community Hub
James Wilcox will share plans for a purpose-built dementia support hub alongside Newbury Community Hospital, scheduled to open in 2028. Developed collaboratively with health and care partners and people with lived experience, the project aims to bring services together in a welcoming, non-institutional environment that better supports individuals and families.
AI and Smarter Estates Management
The programme will also explore how emerging AI-enabled tools, including CompliMind, could help NHS estates teams navigate complex technical guidance, manage compliance requirements and make more informed decisions.
Together, these discussions reflect a shared ambition: creating environments that work better for the people who use, deliver and experience care.
Why relationships matter
Better mental health and dementia environments don’t happen in isolation. They depend on bringing the right people together, sharing evidence and expertise, and developing relationships that turn good intentions into practical improvements.
MHDF provides a focused setting for these connections, enabling project delegates to meet relevant suppliers, explore innovative approaches and discuss the challenges involved in creating safe, supportive and genuinely human-centred spaces.
As a charity partner, DiMHN recognises the importance of collaboration across disciplines, particularly when lived experience, professional knowledge and design expertise come together to inform better decisions.
Explore this further in our article:
Join the conversation at MHDF 2026
Whether you’re developing a new facility, improving an existing environment or contributing specialist expertise, MHDF offers an opportunity to connect, learn and help shape the future of mental health and dementia care design.
Project delegates can attend free of charge, gaining access to the conference programme, networking opportunities and pre-arranged meetings with relevant suppliers.
DiMHN corporate members can also benefit from a 5% discount on exhibiting. Simply mention your Design in Mental Health Network corporate membership when booking.
24–25 November 2026 | The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield