An additional 8,500 mental health workers have been recruited to the NHS since the end of June 2024 - hitting target three years ahead of schedule.

Around 1 in 5 adults in England are now affected by a common mental health condition, but high demand and long waits have historically been a barrier to people getting the support they need.

The boost means thousands more people will be able to access mental health services sooner and closer to home, therefore cutting waiting times, shifting care into the community and helping people access mental health support.

The new staff include therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and support staff.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: "This government promised to recruit 8,500 more mental health workers by the end of the Parliament.

"Today I can announce that we have kept our promise, 3 years early.

"We have recruited 8,500 more therapists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses. They are delivering more care, earlier and closer to people’s homes.

"We also promised to put mental health support in every school, and up to 900,000 more children can today access that support compared to this time last year."