NHS hires 8,500 extra mental health staff three years ahead of target, says Wes Streeting
The NHS has recruited 8,500 additional mental health staff across England, a milestone the government says it has reached three years earlier than promised as demand for care continues to rise.. The new recruits include therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and support staff now working across NHS trusts and community health services.
They are providing care for children, young people and adults, strengthening services in primary care, community teams, specialist mental health services and crisis support. Demand for mental health support has been climbing, with around one in five adults in England—an estimated 9.4 million people—now living with a common mental health condition.
Historically, high demand and long waiting times have made timely access to treatment difficult. “This government promised to recruit 8,500 more mental health workers by the end of the Parliament,” said Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
“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.” He added that “up to 900,000 more children can today access” mental health support in schools compared with this time last year.
This year, NHS spending on mental health is forecast to rise to a record £16.1 billion, a real‑terms increase of around £140 million compared with the previous year. Alongside day‑to‑day funding, the government is investing an additional £473 million in mental health infrastructure by 2030.
The workforce milestone sits alongside wider reforms. The Mental Health Act received Royal Assent at the end of last year, which the government has described as a step towards more personalised, rights‑based treatment for people with severe mental health conditions.
In parallel, an independent review of mental health, ADHD and autism is under way to examine how government, the NHS and wider public services can respond more fairly and effectively to rising demand. Looking ahead, the forthcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out how the NHS intends to ensure it has the right people, with the right skills, in the right places to meet future healthcare needs.
Mental health roles are expected to remain a core focus. By expanding capacity, investing in infrastructure and reforming legislation, the government said it aims to support people earlier, improve outcomes and deliver mental health care that is fit for the future.