Mental health message sent to politicians

A GROUP that promotes improved and prioritised mental health services delivered a postcard to politicians last Thursday (July 19) to mark the last day of term in the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess.

The giant postcard, delivered by Mental Health Reform’s director, Orla Barry, carried the message:

‘A Vision for Change – Wish We Were There!’

The message referred to the need to provide comprehensive community mental health services to people all around the country.

Mental Health Reform is urging TDs to check the plan for community mental health services in their own area over the summer, and to ensure that the promised new staff are in place by September. Members of the public can ask their local TDs to do this via www.mentalhealthreform.ie.

Dublin North Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind) was among the politicians who attended the event.

Orla Barry welcomed the presence of Deputy O’Sullivan along with Senator Susan O’Keeffe, and Deputy Caoimhghín Ã? Caoláin (SF), as well as the support of Deputies Robert Troy and Simon Harris, members of the Oireachtas Cross Party Group on mental health.

“Their support is greatly appreciated,

? said Ms Barry.

“We must remember that mental health issues affect all communities and it is the responsibility of all members of the Oireachtas to champion mental health, for the benefit of their own communities.

?