Minister and Chief Medical Officer welcome publication of Mental Health report

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has welcomed the publication of a new report into mental wellbeing in Northern Ireland

The study, 'A Flourishing Society - Aspiration for Emotional Health and Wellbeing in NI', was carried out by the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (NIAMH).

The Minister said: “Positive mental health from childhood to later years is crucial to our quality of life at individual, family and community level. There is no health without mental health. I congratulate NIAMH on producing this insightful and thought-provoking report on improving the mental health and wellbeing of our population.

“The findings and recommendations contained in the report are already informing the development of my Department's new Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride commissioned the report. He said: "Our mental health is as important as good physical health. That means taking positive action to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. The NIAMH report has highlighted the areas and approaches we need to focus on to make this happen.

"There has been much good work by people in health and social care and in the voluntary and community sectors.

"We intend to build on this and to focus more on improving people’s emotional wellbeing rather than just treating mental health problems when they occur. Our challenge is to help people to be better able to cope with life’s problems in a positive way.

"The new strategy will set out the way forward for achieving this."

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (NIAMH) is one of the largest mental health voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland. It provides residential and day care services as well as other support for people with mental health problems. The Association also undertakes mental health research, provides advice and information on mental health issues, and advocates on behalf of people with mental health needs. NIAMH played a major role in the Bamford Review of mental health services and is a prominent voice in the field of mental health promotion.

2. The new Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy will run in parallel with the Suicide Prevention Strategy, ‘Protect Life – A Shared Vision’. Its aim will be to develop a population-based approach to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, drawing on the international evidence base and effective interventions.

3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.