Investment priorities for mental health 2025

At a time of rising demand for mental health care and years of declining mental wellbeing in society, mental health services in England are under enormous pressure. The upcoming ten-year health plan and Spending Review present the government with the chance to deliver on its manifesto commitment to address the disparities between mental and physical health in the NHS and elsewhere. 

This is an opportunity for the government to ensure public money is spent wisely, on services that will meet people’s needs effectively, equitably and in a timely manner, while boosting economic activity, increasing living standards and improving health, in support of its core missions.

Commissioned by the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network as part of the Mental Health Economics Collaborative (MHEC), this report draws on existing evidence about six investment priorities that would support better mental health and represent good value for money.