The government has launched a call for evidence to help shape a new cross-government mental health strategy for England, with frontline workers, clinicians, mental health experts and people with lived experience invited to share their views.
Published during Mental Health Awareness Week, the announcement says the strategy will support a shift from crisis intervention towards prevention, earlier support and faster access to care. It forms part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan commitment to give mental health the attention it deserves.
The Department of Health and Social Care said demand for mental health services has risen rapidly, particularly among children and young people, and that the current system remains “reactive, fragmented and inconsistent”. The strategy is intended to set a new direction for mental health care so that support responds earlier and more proportionately.
The government has also confirmed that NHS mental health spending is forecast to reach a record £16.1 billion this year, with £473 million being made available over the next four years for mental health emergency departments, community-based mental health centres and wider capital projects. The announcement also highlights continued rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges, and expansion of community-based support through Early Support and Young Futures Hubs.
Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, said the strategy will focus on “earlier help, faster access and a whole-system approach”, with the government seeking views from frontline clinicians, service providers and people with lived experience.
The strategy will look beyond clinical settings, considering the role of schools, workplaces, the voluntary sector and local government in promoting positive mental health. It will also respond to forthcoming recommendations from the independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy.
The call for evidence is open for eight weeks and closes on 10 July 2026. Find out more here
Healthcare Conferences UK runs a range of virtual CPD conferences and masterclasses supporting mental health services, prevention, access, crisis care, patient safety and service improvement. Find a list of full events here: https://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk/conferences-masterclasses/subjects/mental-health
