15 May 2026
Today, Friday 15 May, the Government has announced the launch of a new cross-government Mental Health Strategy for England, alongside a Call for Evidence.
This announcement is a welcome step towards a mental health system that more effectively protects and supports people living with a mental health condition.
The strategy’s focus must be on bringing different parts of a fragmented system together. The north star is to ensure that people are placed at the heart of their own care so that they will be better able to navigate their support, advocate for themselves, and live independent and fulfilling lives. For this to happen, we need the cultural and organisational architecture which defines mental health provision to improve.
We know that reform is urgently needed. Mental health services currently don’t have the funding and resources needed to keep pace with rising demand—leaving too many without the help they need. We’ve also seen an alarming slip in understanding of mental health in the last few years. Shifting from crisis intervention to preventative care—and focusing on tackling the profound inequalities that exist within mental health care—is essential.
Gerard Crofton-Martin
Interim Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
If you have any questions in relation to this release, please contact Molly Pennington, Press and Media Relations Officer, at molly.pennington@scie.org.uk
About SCIE
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) improves the lives of people of all ages by co-producing, sharing, and supporting the use of the best available knowledge and evidence about what works in practice. We are a leading independent social care charity working with organisations that support adults, families and children across the UK.
If you have any questions regarding this release, please do not hesitate to contact Molly Pennington, Press and Media Relations Officer, at molly.pennington@scie.org.uk