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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Exercise: Mental Health

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role community participation and physical activity will play in the Mental Health Strategy.

Answer

The new cross-Government Mental Health Strategy for England, to be published later this year, will set a long-term direction to improve how we prevent and respond to mental ill-health through a whole-system approach.

The Government recognises the importance of community participation and physical activity in preventing mental ill-health, supporting management and recovery, as well as promoting positive wellbeing.

That is why the Call for Evidence specifically invites views on practical actions and effective interventions which promote prevention and wellbeing, including the role of community settings, education, workplaces, and local services in supporting positive mental health and participation in everyday life.

Together, this evidence will inform a strategy that sets out a whole-system approach, looking beyond the National Health Service to the role of community participation and determinants of mental health, with a stronger focus on enabling people to stay active, participate in education and employment, and live well in their communities.

The Call for Evidence will close on 10 July and further details, including how to respond, are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/informing-the-mental-health-strategy-for-england/informing-the-mental-health-strategy-for-england-call-for-evidence-document


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3590
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Community development Public participation Mental health Exercise
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk