Mental Health service users recently met with the Cross Party Oireachtas Group on Mental Health to present their views on the State’s mental health policy, A Vision for Change, published four years ago this week.

According to Chris Andrews TD, co-convener of the Cross Party Group, “We are now four years on from the publication of the State’s mental health policy, and it makes sense that the service users in this area are given a platform to discuss their views on how the strategy is progressing. By its very nature Mental health issues can be difficult for people to broach and we want to make sure that is kept at the top of the political agenda. We want to hear what action service users want taken and then we want to help deliver it.”

Deputy Andrews added, “We have a very good mental health policy in A Vision for Change. While delivering on this policy may be more difficult in the current economic climate, these services are needed more than ever. Unemployment and financial stress can be precursors to mental health difficulties. People need to be given adequate supports”

The group heard from a panel of individuals who have experience of accessing mental health services. This will include representative from the National Service Users Executive, Headstrong – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Suicide or Survive and Amnesty International’s mental health Expert Advisory Panel.



Note to editors

Cross Party Oireachtas Group background
The Cross Party Oireachtas Group on Mental Health was convened by Chris Andrews TD and Senator Frances Fitzgerald in July 2009. The purpose of the Group is to promote political activity, awareness and understanding of mental health issues within the Oireachtas. Amnesty International Ireland provides secretarial support to the work of the Group.

The following organizations also are non-parliamentary members of the Cross Party Group:

Mental Health Ireland; Aware; The College of Psychiatry of Ireland; Headstrong – The National Centre for Mental Health; The Psychiatric Nurses Association; The Psychological Society of Ireland