New UK mental health strategy: what’s the role for EAPs?

New UK mental health strategy: what’s the role for EAPs?

A new consultation process has been announced to help shape the government’s approach to dealing with the UK’s mental health challenges.

The call for views and evidence — which runs until 10 July 2026 — is intended in particular to help inform a shift towards prevention and early interventions, “supporting those with mental health conditions to live a full life and stay active in education, work, family life and their communities.”

National issues

The government acknowledges that NHS services are struggling keep up with rising levels of demand for mental health support. The recruitment of 8,500 extra ‘mental health workers’, three years ahead of schedule, hasn’t had the impact .

“But despite record investment and significant workforce growth, the current system remains reactive, fragmented and inconsistent,” says the government announcement. “Support varies based on postcode, and too often people only get help when they reach crisis point. The mental health strategy will address this by setting new direction for the mental health system so that it responds earlier and more proportionately.”

The EAP factor

EAPA UK chair, Karl Bennett said: “In the announcement of the consultation and responses from mental health charities there isn’t any reference to the central role played by work, workplaces and employers in the mental health of the nation. The realty is that work is fundamental in people’s lives. It provides financial rewards and security, a sense of purpose and belonging, a community, networks of colleagues and friends. And with that, because of its importance in people’s lives, there also comes challenges and tests of wellbeing.

“This is why employers and their activities around mental well-being are so important. The immediate access to EAP services and opportunity for counselling has become a pillar of mental health services in the UK for millions of employees. Any new strategy and approach must recognise the work that employers and their EAP partners are doing, and encourage synergies and opportunities for more mutual support between government activities and those of organisations.”