Centre for Mental Health has today launched a new five-year strategy laying out its plan to create a mentally healthier future for the UK. A mentally healthier future sets out the charity’s actions over the next five years to tackle mental health injustices within policies, systems and society.
The new strategy comes in the midst of a steep decline in the nation’s mental health, with over a million people on waiting lists for mental health support. 23% of adults now experience a common mental health difficulty, but only half of these receive help. A mentally healthier future sets out the Centre’s threefold vision of a society where:
- People’s essential needs are met, enabling better mental health
- Everyone gets the mental health support they need, when they need it
- No one faces injustice because of their mental health.
The strategy sets out five key actions for the charity from 2025-2030, including building knowledge through ground-breaking research, speaking out about injustice, convening communities and networks, supporting leadership in mental health, and providing learning opportunities through training and partnerships.
Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health, said: “The UK’s mental health is getting worse. Social and racial injustice put people’s mental health at risk, and for many people the right support isn’t there when they need it. People living with a mental illness too often face poverty, injustice and exclusion. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“A mentally healthier future is possible – one where everyone has a fair chance of lifelong, good mental health. Where people living with a mental illness have equal opportunities and life expectancy. Where services are created alongside the communities they serve, and where mental health is at the heart of government.
“We’re determined to tackle social injustice and inequality. We’re committed to convening knowledge, to promoting learning and to dismantling racism and discrimination in all their forms. With the help of our partners, donors and supporters, we can create a mentally healthier future for all.”
Marsha McAdam, Ambassador for Centre for Mental Health, said: “As someone with lived experience of both physical and mental ill health, I know what it feels like to be treated unfairly or overlooked. That’s why I believe so strongly in the power of compassion, understanding, and proper support. With the right help at the right time, we can break down barriers, challenge stigma, and build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
“We need charities like the Centre who can keep pushing for change so that in the future, no one faces injustice because of their mental health. I’m delighted to back this new strategy for building a mentally healthier future.”
