1.9 million people in the UK are in contact with mental health services. 80% say their conditions worsened while waiting for support. The system medicates without supporting — 92.6 million antidepressant prescriptions a year, yet access stretches to just six CBT sessions per person, with no aftercare.

Meanwhile, 70% of young people are already turning to unvetted AI chatbots for companionship and mental health support. 1 in 6 undergraduates now report a mental health condition, and university retention rates are falling.