Appeal for good mental health support to help schoolchildren

Appeal for good mental health support to help schoolchildren

15 January 2025

STORMONT ministers Mike Nesbitt and Paul Givan have been urged to prioritise good mental health services in schools.

The appeal was issued to Mr Nesbitt (health) and Mr Givan (education) by South Down MLA Cathy Mason who said the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people must be a priority.

She said young people must have access to timely, good-quality and compassionate support when dealing with mental health issues.

“Mental health waiting lists are concerningly long, with children and their families often waiting months, sometimes years, for the help they desperately need,” she said.

“More must be done to improve support for poor mental health and suicide prevention in our schools and youth clubs.”

Mrs Mason is urging both ministers to improve mental health services in schools to ensure children have the support which they need and deserve.

She added: “Supporting young people’s health and well-being and ensuring they have the best start to life must be a priority.”