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Dear Supporter,

There have been many important steps taken in July which bring us closer to improving mental health services, supports and rights for everyone in Ireland. 

Over the past month, the draft Heads of Bill to reform the Mental Health Act were sent to the Mental Health Commission for review and a Bill for Advance Healthcare Directives was moved through the Seanad. 

In our newsletter below, we also share with you our Annual Report 2018 which we launched this month, advocacy opportunities in the Mid-West, and the story of two sisters who took on an incredible challenge in aid of Mental Health Reform. 

I hope you enjoy some of the highlights from the last month!
Mental Health Act Update
Mental Health Reform welcome the announcement by Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly T.D. that the draft Heads of Bill to update the Mental Health Act, 2001 has been handed to the Mental Health Commission for feedback.

This feedback process is expected to take six months, during which the Mental Health Commission will review the proposed content for the reform of the Mental Health Act, 2001. 

This is a welcome step towards ensuring that people's rights are adequately protected when accessing mental healthcare in Ireland. This shows our voice is being heard in the call to Reform the Mental Health Act.
Annual Report 2018 Launch
We were delighted to be joined by many members of the national coalition in launching our Annual Report 2018. Last year saw many developments in mental health and positive steps taken towards an Ireland where everyone can access they support they need in their community to achieve their best possible mental health. 

Key highlights from the Annual Report 2018 include:

  • 10 new members to the national coalition for mental health
  • 3 major reports published
  • 15% increase in social media network
  • 7 submissions to Government
  • and the 48th private members bill in the history of the State to be enacted
Read more about the Annual Report 2018 launch by clicking here.
50KM Hike Challenge
Lisa and Julie took on an incredible challenge - a hike in Vallée de la Thur, France.

The initial challenge was a 50KM hike but overall, Julie and Lisa completed 62KM in just 19 hours! Each step was done in aid of Mental Health Reform and, with thanks to their wonderful supporters, raised over €500. 

From all in Mental Health Reform, a huge thanks to Lisa and Julie on this incredible accomplishment!

Read more by clicking here. 
Mental Health Reform in the Mid-West
Amie Hughes has joined our team as the Community Development Officer for Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. Amie will be exploring the key issues in mental health services in the Mid-West and will work with a group of interested people to advocate for change and improvement of these services. A number of events will be organised over the coming months including listening meetings
across the region to hear your experiences.

If you have an interest in mental health, want to be kept updated or would like more information, Amie would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with Amie on 086 835 3990 or at ahughes@mentalhealthreform.ie.

Together, we can make a difference to mental health services in the Mid-West.
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2017

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2017 will ensure involuntary patients in hospital for mental heath treatment will have their Advance Healthcare Directives respected.

Currently, involuntary mental health patients are the only group in Ireland who are excluded from having Advance Healthcare Directives fulfilled.

Mental Health Reform support the movement of this Bill to ensure that involuntary patients have a voice in their treatment and have their will and preference for mental health treatment to be fulfilled and respected.

This Bill was moved through the Seanad on July 10th by Senator Máire Devine. 

Read more about this Bill by clicking here. 
Updates from our members
Many thanks,

Shari
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