Bupa to Open "mindplace" Mental Health Centre at Stafford Riverside

A familiar unit in Stafford town centre is being brought back into use as a new hub for mental health support. Bupa has announced the opening of its mindplace centre, located at the Riverside Shopping Centre on South Walls.

Local residents will remember this building as the former home of Evans Cycles, which closed its doors in October 2025. The site has now been converted into a modern health facility featuring six private therapy rooms.

What Services are Available?

The centre is opening to help meet the rising demand for mental health services in the UK. It will offer face-to-face talking therapies, including:

• Counselling.

• Psychology.

• Psychotherapy.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

  
  

Initially, the centre is accessible to Bupa’s UK insurance customers, who will be checked (triaged) before an appointment is made. However, the service will be expanded to "self-pay" customers (people without Bupa insurance) later in 2026.

A Statement from Bupa Sarah Melia, General Manager at Bupa Health Services, explained the importance of the new Stafford site:

“We’re very pleased to open our mindplace centre in Stafford. Since 2020, demand for mental health services has grown exponentially for the workforce and their wider family unit, particularly amongst young people. There is an increasing need for mental health support across the UK and fast access to services has never been more important. Mindplace centres will help people get fast access to face-to-face care. They reflect our commitment to responding to the urgent care needs for our customers where we know early intervention can lead to better health outcomes.”

Local Job Vacancies

In an update provided directly to The Staffordshire Spotter, Bupa confirmed they are actively recruiting for the Stafford team. They are currently looking for a Clinical Psychologist and a Counsellor, with more roles expected to open as the centre becomes busier.