IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Money and Mental Health responds to mental health prevalence review

9 October 2026

Today the final report of the government’s Independent Review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism has been published.

It shows that mental distress and common mental health conditions have increased substantially in recent years, and that socio-economic factors such as financial insecurity and unemployment have contributed to this. 

The review also calls for government action to reduce waiting times for mental health treatment and to improve preventative support.

Helen Undy OBE, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:

“This review makes clear that the rise in mental health problems is real, and that financial insecurity is a major factor driving it.

“Reducing waiting times and improving access to mental health support are vital, but they aren’t enough. Without investing in prevention and tackling the financial drivers of poor mental health, prevalence will continue to rise and demand on mental health services to grow.

“The government’s upcoming mental health strategy needs to recognise that supporting people who are struggling financially is a mental health intervention. We want to see money advice embedded in all mental health services, more tailored employment support – particularly for those already struggling with their mental health – and an emphasis on the role that banks and other financial services can play in getting help to people when they first start to struggle.”

ENDS

Contact:

For all media enquiries, please contact Brian Semple, Head of External Affairs, at [email protected]

Notes to Editors

• The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute was set up by Martin Lewis in spring 2016, registered charity number 1166493.
• It conducts research and develops policies for essential services firms, regulators, the health service and government to help people with mental health problems protect themselves from financial difficulties and get out of debt.
• Martin Lewis CBE, Money Saving Expert, is an award-winning campaigning broadcaster, newspaper columnist and author. He founded MoneySavingExpert.com in 2003 for £100 and remains its full-time Editor-in-Chief. It is now the UK’s biggest money site, with more than 14 million monthly users. Martin has his own prime-time ITV programme – The Martin Lewis Money Show – and is resident expert on This Morning, Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio 5 Live’s Consumer Panel, among others.
• Helen Undy OBE is a passionate mental health campaigner and became the Institute’s Chief Executive in 2018, having previously led the charity’s impact and communications work.