Mental Health Reform today launched an eight week pre-budget campaign calling on the Government to “Do What Works” for mental health, by investing in measures that are known to be both effective and cost-effective for improving mental health. Orla Barry, Director of Mental Health Reform, said: “We know what works for mental health. We need … Read more
August’s Member Blog comes to us from Gráinne McGettrick of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, on the importance of the principle of “personhood” and the involvement of people with dementia in issue that concern them. 2011 was a pivotal year for the 41,700 people with dementia in Ireland and their 50,000 carers when the new … Read more
The coalition group Mental Health Reform has today (29/07/2013) given a broad welcome to the publication of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan. The National Disability Strategy is a ten-year plan (2006-2015) aimed at achieving social inclusion of people with disabilities, including people with a mental health disability. The Government’s commitment to making significant progress … Read more
The coalition group Mental Health Reform has today (29/07/2013) given a broad welcome to the publication of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan. The National Disability Strategy is a ten-year plan (2006-2015) aimed at achieving social inclusion of people with disabilities, including people with a mental health disability. The Government’s commitment to making significant progress … Read more
The publication today of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 is a welcome development, said a working group of civil society organisations (full list at the bottom of the release). Áine Hynes, Chair of the Irish Mental Health Lawyers Association, said: “This Bill will replace the long outdated Lunacy Act of 1871. The Government has cited the … Read more
Mental Health Reform welcomes today’s (11/07/13) launch of the Counselling in Primary Care service that will enable adult medical card holders throughout the country to access time-limited counselling through their GP. In response to the launch, Dr. Shari McDaid, Mental Health Reform’s spokesperson, commented: “One of the strongest messages to come out of the consultation … Read more
We continue our series of monthly member blogs, with this month’s blog coming from Pio Fenton, Chairperson of Samaritans in Ireland, about his experience of volunteering with the listening-ear service. “I could never say that before…” I first became a Samaritans volunteer about 9 years ago. It has been a huge experience in terms of getting … Read more
The national mental health coalition Mental Health Reform has expressed concern that the Inspector of mental health services has found that mental health services were ‘stagnant and perhaps have slipped backwards in 2012.’ The Inspector’s comments were published alongside the 2012 Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission. The Inspector’s continued finding that services are … Read more
Our fourth public meeting is coming up, this time in Balbriggan, North Co. Dublin: The meeting will discuss good quality mental health services and a recovery approach. The meeting will be held from 2:00pm to 4:30pm on: Thursday 20th June in Hamilton Hall, Balbriggan Town Hall. Mental Health Reform is the national coalition that promotes … Read more
Tom’s story: For me personally, when I first came into contact with Gateway the stigma was a factor in becoming a more active member. I would have a tendency to distance myself when my health is not good but this would distance me further. I am now very settled within Gateway and know most of … Read more
