STORMONT Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has warned that no new money is currently available to invest in mental health services across the district.
The revelation comes after Newry, Mourne and Down Council recently backed a motion calling for a cash injection to support the sector.
It was tabled by Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin who said the district was “extremely fortunate” to have some of the best mental health service providers, supporting residents in the most difficult of circumstances.
He said the outstanding work that the organisations provide was “truly a lifesaver” for many in the community.
He warned that mental health service providers cannot be taken for granted and it was essential they are provided with the financial support they needed.
But Cllr Sharvin explained the cost of living crisis and reduced funding was having an impact on service providers and that one local mental health charity faced an uncertain future.
He revealed he had spoken with a number of providers and charities who shared an insight into the work they were doing, with most providing in excess of 300 counselling sessions annually.
Cllr Sharvin said the same providers supported over 1,000 sessions and a range of online courses and in-person workshops to help those in need.
“One organisation has reported its busiest year, with 332 adults referred to its counselling service, over 1,700 free sessions delivered and a further 132 adults signposted to other support services in the statutory or voluntary sector,” he told a recent council meeting.
“The majority of organisations reported that their biggest financial income is fundraising and in the cost of living crisis this has been a challenge.”
Cllr Sharvin said given the unknown future of the Mental Health Support Fund, one way service providers could be financially supported was through a core costs Service Level Agreement with a health and social care trust.
“It is time to appropriately fund mental health service providers in the Newry, Mourne and Down area and get serious about mental health service provision for everyone,” he added.
In his response, Mr Nesbitt thanked all community and voluntary organisations across the council area for the valuable work they do in supporting mental health and wellbeing in the community.
He said he has been greatly impressed by the response of these particular organisations in coming together to support those in need.
The minister also described the outcome of the Stormont budget as “extremely disappointing” for the Department of Health.
“This will mean that some extremely difficult decisions will be required to manage within the budget allocated,” he said.
“Therefore, our expectation is that we will not be able to do all that we want or need to do and the main focus will be on preserving and protecting existing services, with all the limitations that they currently have.”
Mr Nesbitt’s letter continued: “The Mental Health Support Fund, which supported the community and voluntary sector in providing vital mental health services over the last three years, has now ended and all monies have been exhausted.”
The health minister said despite the challenging financial position, the Department of Health recognises that effective delivery of mental health services is not possible without the full integration of the community and voluntary sector which is reflected in the current mental health strategy.
Mr Nesbitt said the Department of Health was considering the review as part of a wider study to assess the capacity and skillsets within the community and voluntary sector to inform optimisation of existing structures and ways of working to co-deliver the full range of mental health services required.
“It is hoped that this work will be completed by the end of next March and significant engagement with the sector will take place as part of this priority piece of work,” he added.