AQW 5587/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the delivery of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031.

Answer:

Delivery of the Mental Health Strategy has been taking place within an extremely challenging financial context using existing, limited resources to take forward actions. As a result of this, the Strategy is being implemented through Annual Delivery Plans which set year-on-year priorities and actions. Good progress has been made in taking forward a number of actions, including:

Implementation of the community perinatal mental health service across the region, with teams now in place in all Trusts.

Co-design of a three-year implementation plan for the establishment of the Regional Mental Health Service (RMHS).

Completion of a three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan, with progress made on implementation of actions.

Completion and publication of an independent Mental Health workforce review, with work underway to begin planning implementation of key recommendations.

Additional investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to enhance existing provision and alleviate pressures.

Roll-out of the emotional health and wellbeing teams in schools, with initial cohort of schools identified and engaged.

Establishment of the Digital Mental Health Board and appointment of project leads to develop a digital mental health service action plan.

Completion of a review exploring the optimal approach to engaging the community and voluntary sector in the development of mental health policy and provision.

The Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 is currently in development and will be co-produced through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. This Plan will set out an agreed set of actions which will be taken forward in 2024/25.