Thousands More Mental Health Workers Recruited
The latest data shows that since July 2024, there have been 6,700 additional mental health workers recruited. This is well over half of the target of 8,500 extra workers recruited before the next general election, and it is welcome news as the government plans to unveil its 10-year health plan with significant reforms for patient support.
Ten-year plan
Mental health problems can be debilitating, preventing sufferers from working or studying, as well as participating properly in leisure and family activities. The ten-year plan aims to boost mental health services across the country, with a number of measures that will require additional mental health workers.
With many people turning to costly mental health apps, part of the plan is to offer a free NHS app built by trusted clinicians and designed to offer mental health support around the clock. This support can include self-referral to talking therapies without the patient needing to be referred by their GP. There may also be access to AI-powered support as a first resort, something that is currently only available on apps that have been paid for.
As well as the digital measures, there are also plans for 85 new emergency departments that will be dedicated to mental health. These will be staffed around the clock by specialist nurses and doctors.
Neighbourhood mental health schemes are already being piloted, designed to offer access to holistic support and specialist services in local communities.
This makes it a good time to embark on a career in mental health. To find out about the training options that are available to you, use a relevant internet search for your area. For example, you might search for mental health training courses Blackpool to get results like www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool.
Why change is needed
Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent, while services often have long waiting times.
As well as the 10-year plan, another policy is to further implement the provision of school mental health teams and to implement Young Futures hubs, which will have a range of support options, including measures to care for young people’s mental health.