AQW 5589/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/02/2024
Answered On Date: 14/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health when he will introduce the recommendations listed in the Stronger from the Start infant mental health campaign.

Answer:

Delivery of the objectives of the Stronger from the Start manifesto will be achieved through delivery of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 which has a clear focus on the promotion of prevention, early intervention, and wellbeing throughout a person’s whole life.

Within the Strategy, there is recognition that the path to good mental health starts in infancy and it sets out a commitment to ensure the needs of infants are met in mental health services. In particular, Action 11 aims to ensure that the needs of infants are met in these services, and that the needs of vulnerable children and young people are met when developing and improving the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, putting in place a ‘no wrong door’ approach.

A three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Plan has also been developed through the Mental Health Strategy. One of the key actions within this plan is to ensure collective responsibility for promoting and supporting the emotional wellbeing of all our infants, children and young people.