Mental health workforce and crisis services raised at Health Committee event
Discussions focused on the Department of Health’s Neighbourhood Model, which is intended to bring together local health, social care and community services to support people earlier and closer to home
The expansion of community mental health services was one of the key recommendations highlighted at a stakeholder event hosted by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Health Committee, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhán O’Neill.
More than 50 people attended the roundtable event, which took place today, Thursday, June 4, in Parliament Buildings.
Representatives from around 30 mental health organisations, including Action Mental Health, Inspire Wellbeing and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, took part in discussions aimed at identifying priority issues facing mental health services across Northern Ireland.
Discussions focused on the Department of Health’s Neighbourhood Model, which is intended to bring together local health, social care and community services to support people earlier and closer to home.
Participants also highlighted ongoing challenges within the mental health workforce, alongside concerns regarding the availability and accessibility of crisis services.
The feedback gathered during the workshop will inform recommendations that the Health Committee will bring to the Minister of Health.
Commenting on the event, Health Committee Chair Philip McGuigan MLA said: “The Committee greatly values opportunities to engage directly with those working on the front line of mental health services. The insights shared at this event reinforced the need for services that are accessible, joined‑up and community-based, while also addressing ongoing workforce and crisis care challenges.”
Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhán O’Neill, added: “Poor mental health causes significant suffering, and also underpins many of the health difficulties that people here are facing. It is therefore important that MLAs learn about the challenges faced by people who are trying to access mental health services, and the vital work undertaken in the community to support people in distress. It is important that suicide prevention and mental health services are prioritised with the introduction of the neighbourhood model.”
Speakers and guests at the event included Mike Farrar, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the mental health and voluntary sectors.