We welcome the launch of the 10-Year Mental Health Strategy

Tue, 29 - June - 2021

MindWise is delighted that the 10 Year Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland has been published!

Launching the strategy, Health Minister Robin Swann says, “The Strategy is built on a vision of a society which promotes emotional wellbeing and positive mental health for everyone, which supports recovery and seeks to reduce stigma and mental health inequalities. In the vision we set out the objective of a system that is consistent and provides equity of service. We also want to break down barriers so that individuals and their needs are right at the centre – a truly person centred care.”

Our CEO Anne Doherty welcomes the launch of the Strategy but notes it will be a challenge to secure funding in the years ahead. Anne has confirmed that MindWise will continue to campaign for increased investment in mental health services and is encouraging everyone to play a role in ensuring the vision outlined in the Strategy becomes a reality in Northern Ireland over the next 10 years.

"We welcome the aspirational nature of the strategy and some of the key new progressive ways presented to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society," says Anne. 

"However MindWise has real concerns that the funding needed to realise the strategy will not be secured in the years ahead.

"We believe that if the strategy is not fully realised the mental health of existing and future generations will be further devastated. We're committed to campaigning for increased investment into mental health service provision going forward.

"While the Department of Health have gone some way to identifying the need, we believe mental health is everyone’s business! Therefore we all need to do our part in making this strategy a reality. What are you going to do?"

To view the strategy go to the Department Of Health website.