18 May 2026
The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new cross-government mental health strategy for England, alongside a call for evidence to help shape future mental health care and support.
Announced during Mental Health Awareness Week, the strategy aims to shift mental health services towards earlier intervention and prevention, helping people access support sooner and remain active in education, work and community life.
The government said demand for mental health services has risen significantly in recent years, particularly among children and young people, with around one in five people now affected by a common mental health condition.
The strategy forms part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and will look at the role of schools, workplaces, local government, the voluntary sector and community services in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Alongside the strategy, the government highlighted continued investment in mental health services, including community-based support, school Mental Health Support Teams and wider capital funding for mental health facilities.
The call for evidence opened on 15 May and closes on 10 July 2026, with ministers inviting views from clinicians, service providers, experts and people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Find out more here.
