Hazzard Concerned For The Many Young People On Mental Health Referrals
South Down Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said it is deeply concerning the number of children and young people waiting on referrals for mental health services.
Speaking following a recent engagement with The Well, in the Mournes, Chris Hazzard said: “It is deeply concerning that vital mental health services for children and young people in South Down continue to be under increasing pressure.
“I was hugely impressed, and indeed humbled to learn of the extensive services and support provided by volunteers at The Well for vulnerable and at-risk members of our community. There is no doubt that The Well is the difference between life and death for many who are in emotional distress.
“Worryingly, however, the demand for support and treatment is rapidly outstripping capacity. Community and voluntary groups providing this life-saving intervention urgently need to be supported to ensure these services are available whenever, and wherever they are required.
“Families and communities across South Down continue to feel the devastating impact of losing a relative or friend to suicide. More can, and must be done to tackle it.
“Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy brought forward a budget that would give health more money to fund mental health, addiction and suicide prevention services, recruit more doctors and nurses and transform the health service.
“We are ready to form an Executive today to invest the extra £1 billion to help fix the health service, to fund mental health, addiction and suicide prevention services.”
