The UK government announced a new strategy to improve mental health care last week amid growing pressure on the NHS.

The government has pledged to expand mental health services since 2019, but pressures in the system continue to grow. Why is this happening?

According to the NHS England, more than 840,000 under 18s were in contact with NHS-funded mental health services in 2025. Another NHS survey found that one in four young people in England have a common mental health issue in 2024, compared to 18.9% in 2014.

Mental Health charity Mind has pointed out that factors such as financial pressure, social isolation and increased social media use have been linked to worsening mental health, particularly among young people.

Concerns about the mental health system have also been highlighted in several BBC reports this year. These include cases of children waiting years for treatment, allegations of neglect in mental health units, and reports of growing mental health struggles among farmers.

The government has taken a number of steps to address the issue. In April, it announced that it had met its target of recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers, three years ahead of schedule. Other initiatives have included new investment in mental health services, such as a £23 million inpatient unit, a women-only mental health crisis house, and the use of innovative approaches like therapy support robots in some areas, including Kent.

However, despite these measures, there are concerns that demand for mental health services continues to grow at a faster rate than supply. 

In response, the government has set out a 10-year health plan aimed at addressing long-term pressures on the system.

Further investment has also been confirmed, with £473 million made available over the next four years for mental health emergency departments, community-based mental health centres, and wider capital projects. The plan also includes accelerating the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges, as well as expanding community-based support through Early Support and Young Futures Hubs.

The strategy aims to go beyond clinical treatment, recognising the role of schools, workplaces, the voluntary sector and local authorities in promoting better mental health. It also signals a shift away from a system focused primarily on diagnosis, towards one that considers broader social and preventive support.

In addition, the strategy will take into account forthcoming recommendations from an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy.

The scale of the 10-year plan reflects growing recognition of the pressures facing mental health services in England, but challenges remain in ensuring that reforms keep pace with rising demand.