A failure to invest in the mental health and neurodiversity workforce risks undermining efforts to tackle rising demand for support across England, according to a new report from Centre for Mental Health.
The report urges ministers to develop a long-term workforce plan for mental health, autism and learning disability services, warning that existing staffing levels are insufficient to meet growing need. It argues that without a more ambitious approach to workforce expansion, services will remain under pressure and struggle to deliver the transformation needed to improve care.
The findings come as demand for mental health and neurodiversity support continues to increase, placing additional strain on staff and services. The report highlights concerns about the ongoing health and wellbeing of those working across mental health, learning disability and neurodivergence services, describing workforce sustainability as a critical issue.
The assessment reviews progress against a ten-year collective vision for mental health, autism and learning disability services in England.
It identifies positive developments in early intervention, including the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and the growth of early support mental health hubs. However, the report suggests that many services are moving away from the ambition of providing earlier help as waiting lists continue to grow and increasing numbers of people are unable to access support until they reach crisis point.
The report echoes concerns raised in the recent Fonagy Review, highlighting significant challenges around access to autism and ADHD support. Long waits for assessment and treatment remain a major issue for both children and adults, despite rising recognition of neurodivergent conditions and the benefits of timely intervention.
Researchers also argue that greater investment in community-based services is essential if the NHS is to deliver its ambition of shifting care from hospitals into people's homes and local communities.
The report points to the importance of safe and secure housing as a central factor in improving outcomes and reducing reliance on acute services.
Meanwhile, it raises questions about the effectiveness of new mental health emergency departments currently being introduced across England. While these services aim to improve urgent mental health care, the report notes that they remain largely untested and it is not yet clear whether they will address long-standing gaps in crisis provision.
Looking ahead, Centre for Mental Health is calling for the forthcoming cross-government mental health strategy to place prevention at the centre of policymaking.
The report advocates a "mental health in all policies" approach, ensuring that decisions across government actively support and protect mental wellbeing while reducing the factors that contribute to poor mental health.
Andy Bell, Chief Executive of Centre for Mental Health said:
"The people who spoke to us in the creation of No wrong door were clear that mental health, autism and learning disability services needed to change. They helped us compile a compelling vision of what support could be like in 2032. It’s time to return to that vision to equip mental health services with the right resources to fulfil their potential in the years to come.
"Just last week, the independent prevalence review demonstrated beyond doubt that there is a need for more action to prevent mental distress and to improve support for neurodivergence and mental ill health. The government’s new strategy can set a direction of travel that builds on the good practice that exists today, that invests in a workforce fit for the future, and is ambitious about the support that’s available to people where and when they need it.”
Image credit: iStock
