The Government has launched a call for evidence to inform a new cross-government Mental Health Strategy for England, with frontline workers, clinicians and people with lived experience invited to share their views.

The strategy aims to drive a fundamental shift from crisis intervention towards prevention, ensuring people receive earlier and faster support. It will also consider the role of schools, workplaces, the voluntary sector and local government in promoting positive mental health.

Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, said: ‘We want to hear from everyone with a stake in getting this right, including frontline clinicians, service providers, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions, so that we can build a system that truly works for everyone.’

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness UK, welcomed the announcement but added, ‘what matters now is delivery.’

‘We need rapid improvements in access to timely, appropriate treatment, urgent action to ensure inpatient settings are safe and therapeutic, and support that is properly joined up across health, housing and community services. The social security system must also provide a fair and reliable foundation for people who are too unwell to work.’

The Local Government Association (LGA) also welcomed the announcement, with Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, urging Government to ensure councils' local leadership is reflected in the final strategy.

She said: ‘Councils hold a crucial role in the delivery of local mental health services, working in partnership with the NHS and local voluntary and community services.’