I am very happy to have joined Mental Health Reform last week as its new CEO. I am lucky to be joining such a fantastic team of staff, members and volunteers already working together to drive progressive reform of Ireland's mental health system.
I am conscious that I am beginning this journey with Mental Health Reform in unprecedented and challenging times. These past weeks have been among the most difficult that any of us can remember in our lifetimes. COVID-19 has radically altered the context in which we work. In Ireland’s response to this crisis we must collectively emphasise the fundamental importance of ensuring access to mental health services to all who need them.
Ní neart go cur le chéile / There's no strength without unity
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Ireland's Mental Health
As restrictions continue, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is being felt by people across the country. We know that mental health services are experiencing increases in demand and this is expected to last long into the future. It is essential that we plan for people's recovery post-COVID and a recovery for our mental health system.
In recent weeks, Mental Health Reform has been holding consultations with our 75 members and our advisory panels. So far, the three emerging issues are:
access to mental health services and supports
the impact that COVID-19 will have on mental health in the future
the need to assess, monitor and report the impact of COVID-19 on people's mental health
These consultations strengthen our work when meeting Ministers, Government Officials and Departments to present the issues most impacting people's lives. MHR have written to the Minister for Mental Health outlining the key concerns facing Ireland's mental health and we met with the Minister via Zoom on 30th April to set out our concerns.
Light a Candle of HOPE
You may recall the Walk of HOPE which takes place every year to commemorate those who have experienced mental health difficulties. The Walk of HOPE was set up by a group of mothers who had lost members of their families to suicide and they wanted to create a space to remember their loved ones and to ensure that services are there for people when they need them.
Join on the 4th of May at 10PM in lighting a candle as a sign of support, strength and solidarity with all those who have experienced mental health difficulties, their supporters and frontline mental health workers. Click here for more information.
Each year, the Walk of HOPE raises vital funds for MHR's work on 24/7 crisis mental health services. If you are in a position to support Light a Candle of HOPE, you can make a donation here.
Share your photos using #WalkOfHOPE #LightACandle
Spotlight on Impact of COVID-19 in the Midwest
Amie Hughes, MHR's Community Development Officer in the Midwest, met with mental health services and supports across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary to hear the impact COVID-19 has had on their organisations and on the people who use their services.
Many of the groups have been quick to respond, working hard to adapt their services to continue to support people during this time. It is clear that the current crisis is having a serious impact on their community’s mental health, with many groups noticing an increased demand for their services and mental health supports.
Alongside this rising demand, organisations are also faced with new challenges in delivering their services, such as volunteer shortages and a fall in fundraising activities.
The groups in the Midwest emphasised the need to ensure that mental health services and supports continue to be available to people during and after this crisis as a rise in mental health difficulties is likely.
eMental Health Publications
With efforts being made across the health sector to engage digital technology, the eMental Health Team have produced two supporting documents. The focus of the publications is on how technology can be used to enhance mental health services ability to connect with people.
Request put to Government for Human Rights Impact Assessment
Mental Health Reform, alongside rights and representative organisations, wrote to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to request a Human Rights Impact Assessment before a review of current restrictions in response to COVID-19, due to take place on 5 May.
Mental health services and supports during COVID-19
We continue to update the list of mental health services and supports that are available, many of which are available for free, to mind your mental health during these times.
