The government has launched Call for Evidence to shape its Mental Health Strategy.
Launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, frontline workers, clinicians and mental health experts are being asked to share their views on how to transform mental health care for children and adults in England.
The strategy aims to drive a shift towards prevention, by treating people earlier and faster, and supporting those with mental health conditions to live a full life and stay active in education, work, family life and their communities.
Around one in five people are now affected by a common mental health condition and demand for mental health services has risen rapidly, particularly among children and young people.
Improving mental health care was part of the government's manifesto and 10 Year Health Plan and the target has already been met to recruit 8,500 extra mental health workers.
Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, said: "This government believes that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, yet too many people across the country are struggling to get the support they need, when they need it.
"Alongside record investment in mental health services and more mental health workers than ever in the NHS, this strategy will give mental health the attention it deserves and set us on a new direction -one that focuses on earlier help, faster access and a whole-system approach.
"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 Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation said: "This is a big moment for England’s mental health. For many years, we’ve been calling for a radical shift towards a cross-government approach with a focus on prevention, and we look forward to contributing to the plan’s success.
"Our nation’s mental health has gone downhill over recent decades due to things like the Covid-19 pandemic and the legacy of austerity. But change is possible, and we are pleased that the government is taking action.
"We will be advocating for the plan to be ambitious, evidence-led and with a real focus on those communities most at risk of poor mental health; and to address the social and economic factors that shape all our mental health."
