AQW 10511/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/11/2020
Answered On Date: 06/12/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the progress of the development of a mental health strategy, as outlined in New Decade, New Approach; and when this is likely to be completed.

Answer:

I aim to start a public consultation on a draft strategy before the end of the year. The full Mental Health Strategy is on course for publication in July 2021

Key developments to date:

Mental Health Strategic Reform Board established in September to provide governance and oversight of Strategy development.

Strategic Advisory Panel established in September: expert stakeholders across sectors and organisations, including people with lived experience, brought together to develop policy advice to input to the Strategy.

Virtual stakeholder engagement event held on 5th October 2020, with over 90 people attending.

Virtual Reference Group established October 2020.

Cross-Departmental Working Group established October 2020.

Ongoing engagement with service users and carers through voluntary and community sector and Mental Health Champion.

Second Virtual stakeholder engagement event held 25th November 2020.