SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the Mental Health Action Plan announced today by the Department of Health.
Mr Durkan said this strategy is the first step of many required to tackle poor mental health in our communities adding that much more investment is needed to prepare for the challenges post-Covid-19.
He has also written to the Health Minister to seek financial support for the Community Crisis Intervention Centre in Derry.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I welcome news of a Mental Health Strategy for the North and remain hopeful that tackling the issue of poor mental health within our communities remains a priority for the Department.
“Having attended many workshops on the development of this plan and as a passionate advocate on mental health and improving services here, I am glad that the hard-fought efforts of various individuals and organisations has finally borne fruit.
“I am particularly pleased to see the inclusion of much needed and long overdue specialist perinatal mental health services.
“However, implementation must be right across the North; mothers and families in the North West need access to this crucial support network.
“While it is good to see this action plan being brought forward, it is just the first step of many required.
“With consideration of a post-Covid context and the predicated rise in the numbers of individuals requiring mental health support, we need to ensure investment is directed where it is needed most, where people can access immediate help.
“The Department must put their money where their mouth so that vital community provisions such as the Community Crisis Intervention Service centre here in Derry, is funded going forward.
“This local service has waited since January to hear if their request for funding has been successful.
“I have written to Minister Swann for an urgent update on this matter and await his response with bated breath.”
