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  • Swann welcomes Northern Ireland joining International Mental Health Group

    Date published: 21 January 2022

    Health Minster Robin Swann has announced that Northern Ireland has joined the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL).

    Minister Swann

    The IIMHL is an international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addictions services. It has nine member countries: Australia, England, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, USA and Sweden.

    IIMHL offers support and technical assistance to countries and their provider leaders by assisting its members in adapting to rapid changes in the field and providing a support network through partnership with other leaders from around the world.

    Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I very much welcome Northern Ireland joining the IIMHL. The membership will play a vital role following the publication of the Mental Health Strategy 2021 – 31 and as the Department starts to implement the Strategy, to include the design and shaping of future mental health services.

    “Membership will help encourage the development of best practice within mental health services through collaborative and innovative arrangements among leaders operating in the field of mental health service delivery”.

    IIMHL President and CEO, Steve Appleton said “IIMHL is delighted about our new collaboration with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland. The partnership will enable IIMHL to provide Northern Ireland leaders with access to knowledge sharing and expertise from other membership colleagues around the world. It will open a range of opportunities including, leadership development, rapid transfer of learning and innovation and assist in building wider partnerships across the globe.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) helps leaders connect, share knowledge, and apply innovations to improve services. It organises systems for international innovation sharing, networking and problem solving across countries and agencies. The overall aim is to provide better outcomes for people who use mental health and addiction services and their families. IIMHL - Home
    2. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.  
    3. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt
    4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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