Since July, data shows that more than 6,700 extra mental health workers have been recruited, as the government inches closer to their milestone of recruiting an extra 8,500 mental health staff by the end of this Parliament.

This comes ahead of the publication of the Ten Year Health Plan, which sets out an ambitious plans to boost mental health provision across the country. As part of the plan, patients will be able to use the NHS App to self-refer for talking therapies, without needing a GP appointment.

Additionally, 85 new dedicated mental health emergency departments will be built with £120 allocated in the recent Spending Review. These new units, where patients will be able to both walk in or be referred by GPs, will be staffed by specialists doctors and nurses, open 24/7, and be a calm environment, different from hospitals.

Neighbourhood Mental Health Model will provide open access to specialist services in community locations 24/7, and is being piloted in six locations.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Not getting the right support for your mental health isn’t just debilitating, it can hit a painful pause button on your life—stopping you working, enjoying time with family and friends, or living day-to-day life.

“Patients have faced the crisis of access to mental health services for far too long, and this government is determined to change that through our Plan for Change to rebuild the NHS.

“That’s why we’re putting digital front doors on mental health services for patients up and down the country and harnessing technology to provide 24-hour care. And we’re creating more opportunities for support not just through the NHS App but through care in your community too.

“We are already over healthy towards our target of recruiting 8,500 extra mental health workers, and through our upcoming Ten Year Health Plan we will get more people back to health and back to work.”