‘Ulster’s mental health care at breaking point’

Minorities facing biggest risk of harm

MENTAL health services have reached “crisis point”, it was warned yesterday.

Research by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland revealed many people are struggling to cope due to a “lack of support and interventions”.

Depression among minority groups like the LGBT community, asylum seekers and refugees is rising, according to the research.

Conflict-related trauma, access to perinatal mental health support and concerns about high rates of self-harm and suicide are among other issues of concern.

The findings form part of Vital Signs research which found mental health problems are 20% higher in Northern Ireland than in England or Scotland.

Community Foundation chief Andrew Mccracken said: “This research paints an incredibly worrying picture of how communities are faring when it comes to mental health issues.

“Groups working on the ground also told us the situation at Stormont is massively hindering them from receiving the help they need. “A renewed determination to seriously invest in mental health issues is essential in any new Executive.

“This is unacceptable and we join many groups calling for political institutions at Stormont be reinstated to begin tackling issues raised with us.” The Community Foundation has already provided £1.7million to help groups run projects around health and well-being in the last three years and the organisation has just announced grants specifically for mental health projects.

Mr Mccracken added: “Today we are announcing £50,000 in grants available via the Arn Foundation.

“They are specifically aimed at projects in mental health and I would encourage communities to apply.

“We are particularly keen to engage with vulnerable groups such as the LGBT community, refugees and asylum seekers for whom little specialist intervention is available.”