The Centre for Mental Health has unveiled a bold new five-year strategy aimed at creating a mentally healthier future for the UK, as the nation faces a growing mental health crisis. This comes as today marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2025.
Launched under the title A Mentally Healthier Future, the strategy outlines the charity’s vision to tackle mental health injustices embedded in policies, systems, and society. It comes at a time when over one million people are on waiting lists for mental health support, and 23% of adults experience a common mental health difficulty – yet only half receive help.
The Centre’s vision is built around three core goals:
- Ensuring people’s essential needs are met to support better mental health
- Guaranteeing timely access to mental health support for everyone
- Eliminating injustice and discrimination linked to mental health
Centre for Mental Health Chief Executive Andy Bell said:
“The UK’s mental health is getting worse. Social and racial injustice put people’s mental health at risk, and for many people the right support isn’t there when they need it. People living with a mental illness too often face poverty, injustice and exclusion. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“A mentally healthier future is possible – one where everyone has a fair chance of lifelong, good mental health. Where people living with a mental illness have equal opportunities and life expectancy. Where services are created alongside the communities they serve, and where mental health is at the heart of government.
“We’re determined to tackle social injustice and inequality. We’re committed to convening knowledge, to promoting learning and to dismantling racism and discrimination in all their forms. With the help of our partners, donors and supporters, we can create a mentally healthier future for all.”
To deliver on this vision, the strategy sets out five key actions for 2025–2030:
- Building knowledge through ground-breaking research
- Speaking out against injustice and inequality
- Convening communities and networks to drive change
- Supporting leadership in mental health across sectors
- Providing learning opportunities through training and partnerships
The Centre for Mental Health will work with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to ensure that mental health is prioritised in every area of public life – from education and employment to housing and justice.
This strategy marks a renewed commitment to equity, evidence, and action, and aims to shape a future where no one is left behind because of their mental health.
Image credit: iStock
