World Mental Health Day

Today, the 10th October, is World Mental Health Day. 

During my terms as Minister of Health, mental health and well-being were a top priority of mine, and they remain so now as I serve as the Member of Parliament for South Antrim. 

As Health Minister I published the 2021-2031 Mental Health Strategy, appointed a Mental Health Champion, and announced a new Regional Mental Health Service for Northern Ireland. As South Antrim’s MP, I will continue to push for improved and reformed mental health services with sufficient funding and resources.

Yesterday I had the opportunity during Prime Minister’s Questions to highlight the unique and pressing role that the Troubles have had on mental health in Northern Ireland, particular when we consider that since the signing of the Belfast Agreement in 1998, more people in Northern Ireland have sadly lost their lives to suicide than all those that were killed during the 30 years of the troubles. I asked the Prime Minister to commit to tasking his Government to work collaboratively with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to explore how these issues can be properly targeted and resolved.