Urgent need to fund mental health services in a new Assembly says Mason
In calling for improved mental health services across the North following work done by the previous NI Executive, South Down MLA Cathy Mason said: “I welcome the new plan to deliver the Mental Health Strategy, however, without an agreed budget or functioning Executive it remains just that… a plan.
“We are currently experiencing a mental health crisis in the North with increasing numbers of people, young and old, waiting on mental health support.
“Our mental health services and staff provide invaluable support to people in emotional distress and with a range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and eating disorders – however, the demand for support and treatment is rapidly outstripping capacity.
“Across South Down there are over 800 children waiting to access mental health services which is extremely concerning.
“There is a clear need for local and accessible mental health services across the North as these waiting lists continue to grow.
“We need to see an Executive up and running now so we can put the necessary funding and services in place.
“Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy is committed to allocating an additional £1 billion to our Health Service over the next three years, to tackle waiting lists, recruit more doctors and nurses, fund cancer and mental health services and generally transform health.
“The DUP need to end this boycott which punishes those who elected us so we can support people struggling with their mental health.
“It’s time to get back around the table and start working together to deliver real change that improves the lives of our communities here in South Down and right across the North”
