SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Mr Eastwood said given the pressure on the health service and education system it was disgraceful that the DUP were continuing their boycott of the Stormont institutions.
Said the Foyle MP: “This week is Children’s Mental Health Week and according to the Education Authority’s Local Assessment of Need for Derry and Strabane 2020-2023, one in five young people have a mental health need.
“That’s 10,322 young people in our local area who have mental health needs and this will undoubtedly have increased in the following years since the pandemic.
“The last few years have been especially tough on our young people.
“Our children and young people are crying out to those in power to help in any way they can with their low-self-esteem, depressive feelings, low mood and anxiety.
“It’s vital that political leaders recognise and address the growing issue of poor mental health in children and young people to help with their educational attainment, ability to form positive relationships and increase their overall happiness in society.
“Last year, the SDLP proposed the appointment of a Junior Minister with responsibility for Mental Health to ensure that this issue is afforded the importance that it deserves.
“We also need to see the Protect Life 2 – the Suicide Prevention Strategy fully resourced and implemented.
“It is crucial that primary school counselling is expanded, as well as the provision of additional mental health training for school staff and psychological support services for children with Special Educational Needs.
“Given the situation we are facing with regards to mental health, it’s deeply troubling that we are facing huge cuts to our education budget that will have a massive detrimental impact on our young people.
“The only way to resist the worst outcomes of Tory austerity is for the DUP to show brave leadership, nominate a deputy First Minister and put mental health help in place for our young people urgently.”
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