NHS Recruits 8,500 Additional Mental Health Workers

The government has announced that 8,500 additional mental health workers have been recruited across the NHS in England since the end of June 2024, meeting a key workforce target ahead of schedule.

The new staff include therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and support roles, and are now working across NHS trusts and community health services.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the increase in workforce is intended to support faster access to care, reduce waiting times and expand the delivery of mental health services within community settings. The announcement comes in the context of rising demand, with around one in five adults in England estimated to be affected by a common mental health condition.

The government states that the additional workforce will help more people receive support earlier and closer to home, including children and young people. It also highlights that up to 900,000 more children now have access to mental health support in schools compared to the same point last year.

This development forms part of the government’s wider 10 Year Health Plan, which includes a focus on improving mental health services and shifting care into community-based provision. NHS mental health spending is forecast to reach £16.1 billion this year, alongside a planned £473 million investment in mental health infrastructure by 2030 to modernise facilities and expand service capacity.

Further policy developments include the recent passage of the Mental Health Act, as well as an ongoing independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism services.

A forthcoming workforce plan is also expected to outline how staffing levels, including mental health roles, will be maintained and developed in the years ahead.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network: The growth in the mental health workforce is a welcome step towards improving access to care. Evidence from our Delivering for All: Rural Realities research shows that rural residents often face longer journeys, limited local provision and workforce shortages when accessing services. As the NHS continues to expand community-based support, ensuring that rural needs are fully reflected in delivery will be essential.

Find out more about our recently launched Delivering For All: Rural Realities research here.