Swann launches consultation on mental health strategy

The draft Strategy sets out a new vision for mental health in Northern Ireland as well as 29 high level actions designed to take forward significant strategic change over the next decade.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to publish my Department’s draft Mental Health Strategy today for consultation.

“Mental ill health is a huge challenge for our society. Too many people struggle with being mentally unwell and too many people find it difficult to find the help and support they need when they need it.

“I am determined to change that, and this Strategy is a key step towards doing just that.”

Key actions set out in the draft Strategy include a commitment to develop a year on year action plan for mental health promotion; greater investment in and further roll out of psychological therapy hubs in primary care; better integration between the statutory and community and voluntary sectors; as well as the creation of a single mental health service to ensure regional consistency, quality and access across Northern Ireland.

Minister Swann added: “The publication of this draft Strategy is a significant step forward. It builds on progress to date and seeks to set out a roadmap to make significant and lasting improvement to mental health, putting the individual and their needs right at the very centre of every decision.”

The draft Strategy has been co-produced with a broad range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, carers, health and social care staff, the interim Mental Health Champion, other government departments, academia and professional bodies.

The Minister thanked all those involved saying; “Your voice, your experience, your expertise and your input have been instrumental in getting us to this point, and this work could not have been done without you.”