The funding, part of the government's Mental Health Goals programme, will supercharge the efforts of researchers who are bringing the best of British science to help people manage their illness and prevent issues from escalating, with measures also planned to improve access to the UK's world-class medical research data and facilities.

The funding, announced on World Mental Health Day, will:

• Be used to set up a cohort of 20,000 volunteers, whose health data can be securely used for mental health research. This will provide a better, data-driven, understanding of how our biology links to our mental health
• Enable the creation of an Industry Alliance Team: a new point of entry for innovators to get streamlined support to access to the UK's high quality mental health research facilities, health data, as well as wider support in rapidly standing up clinical trials
• Launch a pioneering new Lived Experience Industry Partnership, to ensure that people who have actually experienced mental health problems are at the heart of how research is prioritised and undertaken by industry – giving them an impactful voice in this important work, so that efforts truly focus on tackling problems that can meaningfully change their lives.

In addition, the government reveals that 8,500 extra mental health workers will be hired to deliver more talking therapies and providing better access to help through the NHS App.

Science minister, Lord Vallance, said: ‘Mental health problems blight the lives of millions of people across the country. This isn't something we should just accept. Scientific research has led to breakthroughs that are changing the game for physical problems, like cancer, and heart disease. We should be every bit as ambitious for what science can do in tackling mental health challenges as well.

‘That is why this funding matters and what our Plan for Change delivers. By making the right resources readily accessible we can look to a future where mental health is tackled faster, more precisely, and more effectively.

Health minister, Stephen Kinnock, added: ‘Too many people across Britain are struggling with poor mental health. It doesn't have to be this way – and we're determined to change it.

‘That's why we are building an NHS fit for the future, including by investing £50 million to back research into breakthrough treatments that could transform millions of lives through effective mental health support, tailored to their needs.

The Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, will deliver investments enhancing mental health research data and digital infrastructure.

Reaction

Rachel Hastings-Caplan, clinical research policy manager at Rethink Mental Illness, said: ‘We are delighted to see government investment to develop a new generation of effective mental health treatments. People living with severe mental illness often face limited treatment options and must rely on medications that, while lifesaving, can cause significant side effects.

'For too long there has been a need for greater investment in mental health research, coupled with improved research infrastructure within the NHS and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience throughout the process. We are pleased that government is addressing these issues with this new initiative, which we hope will ensure mental health treatments that are effective and make a real difference in people's lives.'

Andrew Davies, executive director of digital health at the ABHI, said: ‘Mental health remains one of the most significant societal challenges of our time, and we all have a responsibility to support better, more personalised and compassionate care. HealthTech has a vital role to play in this mission, from digital tools that enhance early diagnosis and treatment adherence, to technologies that enable continuous support and recovery.

'This investment represents an important step forward in harnessing the UK's world-class research and innovation capabilities to deliver meaningful improvements for people living with mental health conditions.'

Miranda Wolpert, director of mental health at Wellcome, said: ‘Mental health conditions affect so many of us, yet for too many, current treatments can fall short. This new investment is a vital step towards unlocking the untapped potential of science to deliver more effective and personalised approaches.

'Crucially, by bringing people with lived experience together with industry experts, this programme ensures that innovation is driven by the needs of those it aims to serve. It's an exciting opportunity to reshape mental health care in ways that can make a real and lasting difference.'