NHS staff will get rapid access to expanded mental health services that are being rolled out across the country as part of efforts to deal with the second wave of coronavirus. NHS England and NHS Improvement will invest an extra £15 million to strengthen mental health support for nurses, paramedics, therapists, pharmacists, and support staff. […]

Community initiatives including mental health first aid training for barbers, and counselling for bereaved relatives, are set to benefit from a £10 million funding boost. A dedicated support package has been provided to local NHS, public health teams and voluntary organisations across England to strengthen suicide prevention plans and provide practical and emotional support to […]

The NHS is recruiting a growing army of social prescribing link workers to combat loneliness and isolation fuelled by coronavirus. More than 1,200 are already helping people to improve their mental health and get more exercise by taking part in activities from gardening to ballroom dancing. And now the NHS is fast-tracking recruitment of an […]

NHS England’s top doctor for children and young people’s mental health has urged parents to be alert to signs that children could be experiencing anxiety, distress or low mood as some pupils return to school on Monday (1 June). Lockdown will have increased pressure on many mums, dads and their children, with young people unable […]

As the nation gears up to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the NHS wants all those who have served their country to know that dedicated help and support is still available despite the coronavirus outbreak. The NHS has also today payed tribute to the many veterans who are working as ‘hidden heroes’ in […]

The NHS has launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with the coronavirus. NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for […]

Mental health crisis teams will be strengthened and new alternative forms of provision such as safe havens and crisis cafes will open across the country as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. More than £200 million of national funding has been allocated to local areas to transform urgent and emergency mental health care through […]

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch has today called on gaming companies to crack down on gambling addiction risks by banning loot boxes from their products. Ms Murdoch has warned video game firms that they risk “setting kids up for addiction” by building gambling tasks into their games. In response to growing concerns about addiction […]

The head of mental health care in England has written to the heads of top gambling firms, demanding urgent action to tackle betting-related ill health. NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch has ramped up pressure on companies to take action, following reports that gambling giants continue to nudge losing punters into more betting. The NHS […]

NHS England and Age UK have joined forces in a campaign to encourage older people to access treatment for mental health conditions, as new analysis shows a majority of older people do not seek help. New data reveals that more than six in 10 people in the UK aged 65 or over have experienced depression […]