Every mind matters

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the nation’s mental health.

In May Health Minister Robin Swann published the Mental Health Action Plan as part of his commitment to improve the mental health of people in Northern Ireland. There are 38 actions contained within the plan, including a commitment to produce a Mental Health Strategy which will include a comprehensive funding plan for mental health. This plan also includes the government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. w Download the Mental Health Action Plan at health-ni.gov.uk/publications/mental-health-action-plan Social distancing, isolation, chronic stress, financial hardship and job insecurity are among a host of factors contributing to mental ill health. The government has underlined its commitment to prioritise mental health

Mental Health Action Plan

as recent developments demonstrate.

This plan is the first in a series of steps I will take to ensure those suffering from mental ill health will be able to access the services they need when they need them I am delighted to have the opportunity to ensure that the voices of those who struggle with their mental health are heard

Mental Health Champion

Ulster University academic Professor Siobhan O’Neill was appointed interim Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland in June. Her role is to bring mental health issues to the very top of the policy agenda and to act as both a government advocate and challenger of decisions.

As work on the Mental Health Strategy progresses, we will pro-actively engage with central government and the Mental Health Champion to ensure the needs of people in this borough are taken into account and addressed.

Support Services & Crisis HELPLINES

Action Mental Health | 028 3839 2314 AWARE | 028 9035 7820 CAMHS | 028 3083 5400 Lifeline | 0808 808 8000 Mental Health Forum | 028 3025 2423 MindWise | 028 9040 2323 PIPS Upper Bann | 028 3831 0151 Samaritans | 116 123 Yellow Ribbon | 028 3833 1485 YoungMinds | 0808 802 5544