Over 100,000 Professionals Supporting Young Minds Across the UK

Turquoise Thinking Ltd – 18 December 2025

Source Turquoise Thinking Ltd

The size and shape of the UK mental health workforce has long been difficult to define. While data exists for individual sectors, there has been no clear view of the wider landscape that includes the NHS, education, social care, youth services, and the voluntary sector. Existing information is often fragmented and inconsistent and covers only parts of the workforce. That picture has now been brought together following a study commissioned by Anna Freud, a pioneering mental health charity, focused on transforming care for children and young people. Turquoise was appointed to deliver the research with the aim of assessing the overall mental health professional market in the UK.

A Hidden Workforce: Over 100,000 Professionals Supporting Young Minds Across the UK
Drawing on our experience of large-scale public-sector research, Turquoise carried out an extensive programme of desk-based analysis, reviewing the most recent data across all four UK nations. Using official workforce publications, sector reports and national statistics, the team brought together information across settings while ensuring that overlap was removed and that figures were aligned. The analysis included NHS services, schools and colleges, social care, youth and community provision and the voluntary sector.

Alongside this, an online study with over 400 respondents provided further insight into workforce behaviours, needs and perceptions. Together, the work produced a comprehensive picture of the people who support mental health across the UK. The study found that the workforce is in excess of 200,000 professionals with over 100,000 specifically supporting children and young people. The findings highlight differences between nations and service types as well as areas of pressure and future workforce growth.

These insights provide Anna Freud with a strong evidence base to inform how they support mental health professionals in their work with young people and families.

"Turquoise worked with us like an extension of our team. We especially appreciated that they offered expertise and data driven advice when we needed it but also understood and supported us when decisions needed to be strategic and values led."
- Hannah Harrison, Head of Product, Anna Freud

The research comes at an important moment. NHS England reports that one in five children and young people now has a probable mental health disorder. The need for a coordinated and well resourced workforce across all parts of the system continues to grow.

At Turquoise, we are proud to have contributed to work that brings clarity to an essential yet often unseen workforce. Our research underscores the commitment of thousands of professionals working to support people’s mental wellbeing and provides a foundation for building a more connected and sustainable system of care.