A £50 million government investment has been announced to transform mental health research in the UK, aiming to improve treatment options, support innovation, and ensure those with lived experience are key to shaping future care
Supporting a growing crisis
Mental health issues currently affect one in four people in England, making it the leading cause of disability in the UK. The economic cost is enormous, with an estimated £300 billion lost annually due to unemployment, staff absences, and the cost of care.
Addressing this growing crisis is a big part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which includes improving both national health outcomes and economic growth.
The mental health goals programme
The new funding, announced on World Mental Health Day, will be delivered over five years under the Mental Health Goals programme. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development of new treatments, medicines, and mental health technologies by connecting world-class science with practical care delivery.
The programme aims to significantly improve how mental health research is conducted in the UK, focusing on three key components:
- A new volunteer cohort: A group of 20,000 individuals will be recruited to share their health data securely. This will provide researchers with valuable insights into how biological factors relate to mental health conditions.
- Industry alliance team: A new support system will be established to help innovators more easily access the UK’s leading mental health research facilities, data, and clinical trial capabilities. This aims to make the UK a global hub for mental health innovation.
- Lived experience industry partnership: People with personal experience of mental health issues will be directly involved in shaping research priorities and development processes, ensuring that new treatments meet real-world needs.
Putting people at the centre
A key aim of the programme is to ensure that the people most affected by mental health problems are meaningfully involved in research and development. This includes co-designing studies, contributing to decision-making, and improving transparency and trust between researchers, industry, and the public.
A practical example of this approach is the DATAMIND project, which worked with people with mental health conditions to develop an accessible glossary of technical terms. This helps participants better understand how their health data is used, encouraging more confident engagement in research.
The programme is expected to use advances in genetics, neuroscience, imaging, data science, and digital health technologies. These fields hold a lot of promise for creating personalised, effective treatments that can prevent mental health issues from escalating and improve recovery outcomes.
The Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, will oversee investments in strengthening mental health research infrastructure, including digital capabilities and data platforms.
Supporting the life science sector
This investment also supports the UK’s £100 billion life sciences industry by attracting new clinical trials, fostering partnerships with industry, and positioning the UK as a leader in mental health innovation. It complements ongoing NHS initiatives, such as hiring 8,500 new mental health workers and expanding access to talking therapies.
