Update on Implementation of Mental Health Action Plan

A progress update on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Mental Health Action Plan has been published today.

The Action Plan was first published in May 2020 and contains 38 actions which will improve mental health services going forward. It also includes a plan on dealing with the mental health response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Commenting on the update Health Minister Robin Swann said: “It is now 12 months since I published the Mental Health Action Plan and I felt it was important to provide an update on this work at this key juncture. 

“I am pleased to report substantial progress has been made against the actions contained in the Action Plan.  This is a considerable achievement, particularly given the additional, significant pressures related to COVID-19 and the challenges encountered by all those working to support people with mental ill health during this period.”

The progress update highlights key achievements including:

• The creation of a Mental Health Champion;
• Approval of the business case and securing of £4.7m funding for the development of a specialist perinatal mental health community service model;
• The establishment of the CAMHS and Forensic Mental Health Managed Care Networks; and
• The launch of a Mental Health Innovation Fund.

A number of reviews of key services were also commissioned as part of the Mental Health Action Plan including a review of: crisis services; transitions from CAMHS to Adult Mental Health Services; eating disorder services; personality disorder services; low secure in-patient services; and rehabilitation services.  The outworking of these reviews will help inform future strategic policy and service delivery.

Minister Swann continued: “The progress that has been made is due in no small part to the drive and dedication of so many people working tirelessly to improve services and to ensure that mental health is given the priority and profile it deserves.

“However, challenges remain and much still needs to be done. The Action Plan was always intended as a short term measure to kick start the reform of mental health services.”

One of the key actions set out in the Mental Health Action Plan was to develop a new, ten year Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Concluding Minister Swann said: “The Strategy is my Department’s long term strategic plan to address the pressure on mental health inpatient beds, to meet the increased needs created by the pandemic, and to put mental health on an even footing with physical health.  I also hope it will bring us in line with mental health provision in other parts of the UK, and indeed, once fully implemented, ensure Northern Ireland has a world class mental health system to be proud of.”

The draft Mental Health Strategy 2021-31 was issued for public consultation in December 2020.  It is intended to publish the final Strategy this summer alongside a funding plan, which sets out the resource requirements to implement the Strategy.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Mental Health Action Plan was published on 19 May 2020.  It includes the Covid -19 Mental Health response plan designed to respond to the impact of the pandemic on the population of Northern Ireland.
2. For media enquiries please contact the 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.

Share this page