Northern Ireland’s 10-year mental health scheme: A success so far?

In March of 2022, a survey of nearly 1000 adults conducted by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 70% of participants in Northern Ireland experienced mental health problems in the previous 12 months. These statistics go on to highlight the increasing importance of modernized mental health services for the NI public. 

In 2021 Health Minister Robin Swann, together with The Department of Health, introduced a 10 year Mental Health Scheme from 2021 to 2031 with the aim of “setting the future strategic direction of mental health services in Northern Ireland for the next decade”.

“Northern Ireland has the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK, with a 25% higher overall prevalence of mental health problems than England” stated the DOH in the 10 year action plan released to the public. While the main causes of mental health problems in Northern Ireland are widespread across different communities, the DOH has also referenced NI’s history of conflict and the ‘troubles’ as being a contributing factor to NI’s mental health issues. 

In 2023 a Regional Assessment of Need survey of 815 people, we can see that Mental Health issues were the number one concern for participants living in the seven Derry and Strabane electoral districts.

In this action plan we can see that between 2021 and 2031, the DOH has highlighted 35 actions to carry out in order to improve Northern Ireland's mental health services, with each year focusing on different steps from establishing digital mental health services, to expanding therapy hubs and Providing enhanced mental health services for those who need specialist mental health services.

But with 2024 fast approaching, and Northern Ireland’s Stormont remaining in limbo for well over a year, what has this 10-year scheme accomplished in the first 2 years since its conception? Of the 35 total steps the DOH has promised to the general public, 19 steps have successfully been implemented in 2022/23. Listed below are some of the key actions conducted across Northern Ireland so far:

Co-produced an action plan for early intervention and prevention initiatives and increasing awareness/public discourse

Expanded therapy hubs to ensure Northern Ireland wide coverage.

Created dedicated resources for student mental health across tertiary education through the existing delivery of mental health services.

Embedded unpaid carers, families and others in the help and support provided to people with mental ill health and also in the development of mental health policy and wider decision making. 

Increased funding for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to 10% of adult mental health funding.

Ensuring that the needs of infants are met in mental health services and meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people when developing and improving CAMHS, putting in place a ‘no wrong door’ approach.

Regional MH Crisis Service (RMHCS) Action Plan agreed and being implemented across all workstreams.

Developed proposals for transitions between CAMHS and adult mental health services

Created a managed care network with experts in dual diagnosis, supporting and building capacity in both mental health and substance use services

Personality and Eating Disorders - A final OBC is currently going through the required approvals process. Work is underway in preparation for the recruitment of key posts, subject to the provision of adequate funding.

Develop and implement a comprehensive digital mental health model that provides digital delivery of mental health services at all steps of care.

Initial discussions have been held between the DOH and HSC proposing a centre of excellence for mental health research.

In an exclusive statement, AWARE NI Chief Executive Karen Collins stated “We appreciate the efforts that have been made towards the 10-year Mental Health Strategy in Northern Ireland over the past year”

“While we’ve seen some positive steps, there have also been significant challenges” she continues “Particularly, we need to see more support for young people, as they are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues. More funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is crucial to address the issues with waiting lists and service delivery in this vital area”

The demographics emerging this year from the Derry and Strabane area indicate that 54.7% of young people in Derry and Strabane live in neighborhoods designated as deprived areas according to the Multiple Deprivation Measures. These figures help us understand why the Department of Health has used the 10-year scheme to focus on youth-oriented actions.

“It is important to recognise that the success of this strategy is highly dependent on the presence of a functioning government.” 

“At AWARE NI, we're committed to supporting people with their mental health. Our services, including support groups and educational programmes, are readily available and play a critical role in addressing these challenges.” Explains Collins. 

All past and future delivery plans are available to the public here.