Action to support good mental health

The NHS recommends five evidence-based actions that a person can take to improve their mental health:

  1. Connecting with other people
  2. Being physically active
  3. Learning new skills
  4. Giving to others
  5. Paying attention to the present moment

There are various organisations that provide recommendations on actions people can take to support good mental health, including (this is not an exhaustive list):

Actions to support population mental health

As explained by a report on mental health prevention by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), research suggests that to improve population mental health, next to individual factors such as genetics and behaviours, it is equally important to consider social and environmental factors. These include socio-economic status, employment, housing, access to quality education, safe neighbourhoods, strong community ties and positive social interactions. Academics suggest support interventions must be implemented in other policy sectors such as housing, education and transport (particularly within rural areas). 

Stakeholders also note that interventions that create conditions for people to be able to spend time in green spaces, exercise, and have healthy diets can significantly improve health outcomes.

A report by the Mental Health Foundation says that societal changes that will make the biggest difference to everyone’s mental health are:

  • helping parents nurture their children
  • protecting children from trauma
  • educating young people to understand and manage their emotions
  • supporting people under a lot of stress at work
  • reducing loneliness for older people
  • building connections in our communities
  • caring for people with suicidal thoughts
  • helping people to recover and look after themselves

As highlighted by POST, more robust research is needed to understand complex factors that contribute to mental health resilience in England and the effectiveness of interventions.

Government activity

The government published it’s 10 Year Health Plan for England in July 2025. At the heart of the plan are three “shifts”:

  • from treating sickness to preventing illness from occurring in the first place
  • from delivering care in hospitals to delivering community and primary care closer to people’s homes
  • to digital transformation of service delivery

The plan outlines how prevention includes:

  • action on social determinants of widening health inequalities, such as investment in supporting physical activity and supporting good employment
  • working with schools, colleges and universities to better identify children’s mental health needs and improve support
  • publishing a National Youth Strategy (which was published in December 2025) to support young people with mental health, wellbeing and developing positive social connections

The plan also contains various provisions to improve mental health services and care, including support for people experiencing an emergency mental health issue. Further details about these provisions can be found in the Library briefing on suicide prevention policy (November 2025).

The Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is a voluntary agreement signed by local authorities and integrated care boards. It involves partners across the health and care system, schools and employers developing local plans to improve mental wellbeing and reduce inequalities in mental health.

Reading list

Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week, May 2026

Mental Health Foundation, Take action for good mental health, May 2026

Commons Library, Mental health support for constituents, 6 June 2025

POST, Mental health: prevention and resilience, 14 April 2025

POST, Mental health support for young people in schools, 1 November 2024

NHS, 5 steps to mental wellbeing

Mental Health Services (UIN 129433, 29 April 2026)

Asked: Policies or guidance on continuity of care when therapists are unavailable

Answer: Continuity of care is included in NHS England’s guidance to mental health services. Answer also mentions the forthcoming 10-year workforce plan.

Social Prescribing: Men (UIN 129244,  29 April 2026)

Asked: Impact of social prescribing on men with mental health issues

Answer: Mentions the Mens Health Strategy which was launched on 19 November 2025. Also mentions national research commissioned into social prescribing.

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