UK gov announces £50m mental health research boost
The UK government has announced £50m in funding for mental health research that will place people with lived experience at the centre of developing new treatments.
The Mental Health Goals programme aims to speed up the development of new medicines, technologies and therapies for conditions affecting one in four people in England.
Poor mental health costs the UK economy an estimated £300bn a year through unemployment, staff absence and care costs.
Over the next five years, the funding will establish a cohort of 20,000 volunteers whose health data will be securely used for research to understand how biology links to mental health.
It will also create an Industry Alliance Team to give innovators easier access to the UK’s mental health research facilities and health data.
A Lived Experience Industry Partnership will ensure that people who have experienced mental health problems help to shape how research is prioritised and carried out by industry.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Too many people across Britain are struggling with poor mental health.
“It doesn’t have to be this way – and we’re determined to change it.
“That’s why we are building an NHS fit for the future, including by investing £50 million to back research into breakthrough treatments that could transform millions of lives through effective mental health support, tailored to their needs.
“We are also hiring 8,500 extra mental health workers, delivering more talking therapies and providing better access to help through the NHS App through our 10 Year Health Plan.”
The programme builds on advances in genetics, neuroscience, imaging and data science that researchers say could transform mental health treatment.
The Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, will oversee investments that strengthen data and digital infrastructure for mental health research.
Andrew Davies, executive director of digital health at the ABHI, said: “Mental health remains one of the most significant societal challenges of our time, and we all have a responsibility to support better, more personalised and compassionate care.
“HealthTech has a vital role to play in this mission, from digital tools that enhance early diagnosis and treatment adherence, to technologies that enable continuous support and recovery.
“This investment represents an important step forward in harnessing the UK’s world-class research and innovation capabilities to deliver meaningful improvements for people living with mental health conditions.”
