Improving access to mental health support across the UK
Using our charitable funding and partnerships to make mental health support more accessible for everyone in the UK.
Today, access to mental health support in the UK is challenging, contributing to the workforce sickness epidemic, economic losses and a higher demand being placed on third sector mental health support services.
Across the UK
Total planned mental health spending by NHS England is £13.671bn (2025/26), a 12% increase on actual spend for the prior year.
Source: NHS Mental Health Dashboard)
In the workplace
Employee sick days have risen from an average of 7.8 to 9.4, in just two years, with mental ill health remaining the leading cause of absence.
In the community
80% of people experienced a deterioration in their mental health as they waited for support.
Source: 2024 Rethink mental illness report
We are committed to our purpose of improving access to healthcare for all in the UK, with a specific focus on mental health support. Led by mutual values, in addition to our health plans and on-demand digital health services, we are helping through our charitable commitment too.
Business as a force for good
Through a £1m per year charitable investment, we have an ambition to:
Increase public and workplace awareness of mental health, with a particular focus on prevention.
Improve mental health support in the workplace, with a particular focus on SME (Small to Medium size Enterprises).
Enhance community mental health support, with a particular focus on reducing unmet demand for urgent mental health help.
We have carefully selected and partnered with three leading national mental health charities to deliver positive impacts across the UK to meet these aims.
Mental Health Foundation
We’re delighted to partner with the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness and support prevention through joint activities, including Lead Healthcare Partner for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Raising awareness of mental health
The Mental Health Foundation focuses solely on preventing poor mental health, whilst building and protecting good mental health by:
Researching and developing new and more effective ways to support positive mental health.
Providing everyone with evidence-backed advice and resources they can trust.
Running national campaigns and working with local communities to nurture good mental health.
Working with organisations across the UK and influencing decision-makers at all levels, to take the valuable lessons we’ve learned and adopt solutions that are proven to work.
MHFA England
As the leading workplace mental health experts, we’re excited to partner with MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) England to support SMEs with 2,600 free training places with a tailored ‘Mental Health Aware’ course – an introduction to workplace mental wellbeing.
Improving mental health support in the workplace
Mental Health First Aid England are a social enterprise delivering inclusive, market-leading and evidence-based mental health training and consultancy.
Their vision is of a nation where everyone’s mental health matters. Together, with their partners, they create mentally healthy workplaces where people, communities and businesses thrive.
*These workshops are available for SMEs only (with 250 or less employees).
Find out more about MHFA England
Shout 85258
With demand at an all-time high, we’re proud to partner with Mental Health Innovations to enhance the ‘in the moment’ support they have provided to over 2.8 million people across the UK, via their Shout text service.
Enhancing community mental health support
Mental Health Innovations are the charity behind Shout, which is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Their vision is for people to have easy access to a choice of high-quality mental health support in the way that they like, when they need it, from early intervention to crisis support.
Need help now?* Text 'Shout' to 85258
*Texts are confidential and free. If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
You have saved my life and made sure my baby has a mum to grow up with. Thank you.
Anonymous,
Shout texter
My role at Shout gives me a chance to be that person for someone that I didn’t have. We have conversations with hundreds of people who contact Shout with suicidal thoughts every day. I get to sit in their pain with them and try to find solutions alongside them. I consider every invitation into the lives of others a privilege.
Staff member,
Shout
Together, we can achieve so much more
Through our three mental health charity partnerships, we’re using our profits in a meaningful and impactful way to improve access to mental health support for all in the UK.
Impact figures are based on annual targets.
Get involved with our
mental health programme
To learn more about our charity mental health programme, please email us at corporate.giving@simplyhealth.co.uk, or to enquire about our funded SME workshop places, please email mhaworkshop@simplyhealth.co.uk. You can also follow us on our social channels for the latest updates, stories and news.
Looking for mental health support and resources?
Advice from Simplyhealth's Healthy Living Hub
Changing the conversation on men’s mental health
We’re shining a spotlight on men’s mental health and the conversations that need to happen when helping men navigate challenging emotions.
GP appointment anxiety
Dr. Macarena Staudenmaier, our Head of Clinical Product and Operations, talks about appointment anxiety – what it is, what you can do about it, and how you can prepare for appointments.
Sleep well - be well
Review, reflect and make positive changes to your day-to-day routine to help you improve your sleep. Discover our top tips on how to sleep well and download an interactive sleep diary to help you stay on track.
A practical guide to money worries and mental health
Navigating a path through financial worries can be a lonely experience. Take a look at the practical support we can offer.
Counselling for 16+ teens
We make it simple for you and your family to stay mentally fit and healthy with our 24/7 counselling and advice services.
Tips for managing your anxiety
Discover our Mental Health First Aiders' favourite ways to manage anxiety and stress when fear builds up.
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphia can have a huge impact on a range of aspects within your life as well as impacting those around you. Learn more about the symptoms and what you can do to combat this mental health disorder.