Council’s Disability Champion welcomes publication of Mental Health Action Plan
Fri, May 22, 2020
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Disability Champion has said the publication of a Mental Health Action Plan for Northern Ireland is a positive development for everyone.
Alderman Sharon McKillop, who is also Council’s Deputy Mayor, said she hoped the document marked the start of a new approach to mental health here.
She added: “As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week I warmly welcome the Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring that people living with mental health issues get the appropriate support they need.
“For many, taking the first step and asking for help can seem daunting and overwhelming. It is crucial that those in need know how and where they can get the help which could make such a difference to their lives.
“After years of lobbying, this is a definite step in the right direction and I hope it helps to transform how we care for those living with mental illness, while also supporting their families.
“I look forward to working with the Minister for Health on the Mental Health Strategy and to action recommendations.
“This year Mental Health Awareness Week is themed around ‘kindness’ – a simple but very powerful concept. I want to encourage everyone to place kindness at the heart of everything they do because we don’t know the difference this could make, especially to those who may be in crisis or turmoil at this time.
“If you feel like this, please reach out and ask for help. No one should suffer in silence.”
To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week go to www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Disability Champion Alderman Sharon McKillop has welcomed the publication of a Mental Health Action Plan for Northern Ireland.