Colin McGrath says young people’s mental health must be better supported following Mindwise visit
South Down SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed a visit to MindWise Downpatrick and said that within the Assembly mandate, children and young people’s mental health services must be addressed.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “I was delighted to visit MindWise today, to meet the team of staff and volunteers and to chat with some of those who make use of their services.
“This is a real haven for people and a safe space. For many people it’s importance is found in just being able to get out of the house and to know that they have somewhere to go to interact with others socially.
“However, following our discussion, one of the issues that was raised was that of youth mental health.
“This is an issue which is really coming to the fore of late and one which the Assembly and Executive will have to come to terms with.
“We understand that at present, children and young people currently receive less than 8% of the current budget for mental health services, and this needs to be increased to at least 10%.
“This is something which I will continue to raise through our cross party group on youth participation.
“Mental health is not an issue resigned to one department but rather cuts across all departments. Therefore, it is essential that as the Assembly gets back up and running, any new legislation that is brought forward must consider how such legislation will impact on people’s mental health.
“I will continue to examine that and see if such change needs to be brought about through a private members bill.
“I am incredibly grateful for the education that I received here at MindWise and look forward to engaging with the whole team here now and into the future.”
