Young People's Mental Health Must Be on the Election Agenda -O'Leary

Young People’s Mental Health Must Be on the Election Agenda

Sinn Féin’s Cork South Central candidate, Chris O Leary today called for young peoples mental health to be put on the election agenda, and for the immediate staffing and opening of the long planned for children’s in patient unit in Besboro, Cork

Chris O Leary said: “In the midst of trying to deal with the fallout from the bank bailout fiasco, we must also look at how this election can be used to build a better future, above all for our young people. So far in this election mental health, particularly the mental health of our younger generations has been totally neglected.”



“This January was the fifth anniversary of the publication of ‘Vision for Change’, a blueprint for the provision of mental health services in Ireland. Non governmental organisations such as Headstrong and Reachout are doing great work but many state services outlined in the blueprint have not been developed due to a lack of political will.”



“All this is against a background of continuing very high youth suicide rates; long waiting lists to access children and community health teams; many children and families left without any resources to deal with depression, anorexia and anxiety disorders. There is no dedicated service for the very vulnerable age group of 16 – 18 year olds, falling as they do between children’s services and adult services. Such a failing is appalling.”



“Here in Cork young people who need in patient treatment are still placed in highly unsuitable adult wards. This is inexcusable. All parties in this election must commit to the immediate opening of the long planned for children’s unit in Besboro and the recruitment of staff to enable it to provide a service.”



The provision of good mental health services is not merely a matter of money. It also needs political will. Young people and their families deserve a commitment to prioritise the delivery of these much needed services.”ENDS