New data has revealed that more than 40,000 people with mental health problems are being helped back into work with the support of an NHS programme.

A pilot programme across the country is linking people up with employment advisors to help them back into work.

Once people sign up to the service, the NHS ensure that employment advisors are on hand to offer help with writing CVs, setting career goals, and giving them the confidence to apply for vacancies.

Research has shown that employment support from an adviser, alongside therapy, can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

By March next year, every person accessing NHS Talking Therapies will be offered the chance to benefit from employment advice.

A new campaign has also launched urging people to sign up to the NHS Talking Therapies service. The campaign will encourage more people to get mental health support if they are struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress or obsessions.

Claire Murdoch, NHS national mental health director said: “People with mental health issues can particularly struggle at this time of year, with dark nights and feeling isolated – but seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies Service can be one of the best steps someone can take to overcome their mental health issues and get back on track.

“As part of treating people’s mental illness, the NHS supports people to achieve their goals including getting people back to work with research showing that employment can help improve symptoms of anxiety or depression.

“If you are struggling with your mental health, I urge you to seek help from the NHS – you can refer yourself online to our world leading Talking Therapies Service”.

Minister for mental health Maria Caulfield said: “Our ambition is to improve the lives of thousands more people by helping them early on with their mental health and getting them back into work. NHS Talking Therapies are key to this.

“If your mental health is suffering, it can have a huge impact on your work, family and social life. Making sure we have that support available 24/7 for people who need it is crucial not only for people’s wellbeing, but for our economy.

“This is part of our ongoing work to transform our country’s mental health services, with up to an additional £2.3 billion being invested annually by 2024 to expand services, so an extra 2 million people can get mental health support”.