The Ten is Too Young Coalition welcomes the tabling of an amendment to the Justice Bill that would raise NI’s age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 16, without exception.
This is a chance to make our justice system fairer, safer and more effective - childrenslawcentre.org.uk/ten-is-too-y...
My most recent briefing paper to Health Committee (10/3) is available now.
Topics include: MH Strategy, crisis services, reset plan, children & young people, new data on benevolent childhood experiences & hope, & neurodiversity.
www.mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/publications...
Thursday’s Executive group on mental health & suicide prevention.
I highlighted the need to fund the C&V sector part of the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, trends in suicides, the importance of a strong wellbeing subject in the new Curriculum & the social determinants of poor mental health.
Statement-Dept Education’s proposed changes to exams in NI (removal of AS levels, fewer assessments)
may disadvantage ppl with poor mental health & embed existing inequalities
as a reflection of performance under stress, the results may undermine fairness & benefits ppl frm advantaged backgrounds🔽
Sorry it’s 157 in ni
Per capita spend is shocking £232 in England £187 in NI.
Minister Muir giving the keynote address at today’s conference
Delighted to participate in today’s Farm Safety & Wellbeing conference.
Here’s Minister @AndrewMuirNI giving the keynote speech on the importance of farm safety & mental health awareness 🐷🐐🚜👩🏼🌾🌾🧠
*have
Screenshot from fact check ni report.
Our report for @FactCheckNI
It is difficult to compare regions, but recent figures show that the %s are probably similar.
However there is evidence showing that in NI those with mental ill health have more severe conditions than in the other regions.
factcheckni.org/wp-content/u...
Does NI gave the highest prevalence of mental ill health?
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
However, based on the research provided to us by the Mental Health Champion’s Office – and a similar statement of fact made by DoH – it is crucial to note that there is evidence to support that the levels of mental ill health in NI are worse than in other parts of the UK.
We’ve just published our first paper with @psyarxivbot.bsky.social
Our qualitative (IPA) paper explores the complex intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and suicidality among transgender and gender-diverse young people in Northern Ireland.
Read it here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...
My blog⬇️
The trauma of the past continues to be felt.
6.1% of people in NI have PTSD/CPTSD, vs 5.1% in 2005.
17.6% have 4+ Adverse Childhood Experiences, 7.2% in 2005.
Around 30% report that the conflict impacts their mental health.
What is Govt doing?
www.pivotalppf.org/our-work/piv...
I think we spend more on Social Security & policing, the obvious ones, plus, a recent report found that the divided education system was more costly too.
The per capita budget on health overall is higher here. So as that cost got higher, the % spend on mental health got lower because the amount spent on mental health didn’t increase at the same rate. The justification is that the money is needed for the other parts of the health service.
Table from NI audit office report on mental health spending in NI
The impact of Social Security cuts will be worse in NI.
We have a significant history of trauma & high rts of PTSD (6.1% now, compared with 5.1% in 2005) (4.4% in England)
We spend a lower % of health budget on Mental Health than other UK regions - 5.7% in NI vs 14.1% in Eng
7/ Many people with mental illness already feel ashamed, that they are a burden; it is those feelings that can lead to suicidality.
Our Executive must act to reassure the population, protect those who are mentally ill & fund the transformation plan to improve services.
6/ I'm also worried about the harm that the public debate could have.
The effect of public discussions about whether those with a mental illness deserve dignity, support & enough money to live on.
The idea that our value lies in our economic contribution.
5/ 📢So we need our Executive to step up & provide a package of mitigations to protect the vulnerable in NI.
& we need full funding for the Mental Health Strategy to prevent & treat mental illness.
This would ultimately boost productivity.
4/ and it would not encourage more people into work,
because mental illnesses are real illnesses, and many of those affected are unable to work.
What people with mental illness need is health services, treatment, support & compassion.
3/ The removal of welfare protections would harm the mental health of the vulnerable...
...people who have experienced trauma - including the trauma of the Troubles.
29% of our population report that the conflict has impacted their mental health🔽
www.mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/publications...
2/ Data shows that economic crises & austerity measures lead to increased suicide rates.
The suicide rate in the most deprived areas is already twice that of the least deprived areas. These cuts would further widen the inequalities.
🧵 1/ I’m concerned that, if implemented in NI, the welfare cuts announced today would be utterly devastating for those with mental illness, & plunge many into suicidal distress.
Whilst suicide is complex, there is strong evidence of the link between financial pressure & suicide
As I try to come to terms with the immense loss of my beloved sister, Linda, I am doing the 26 mile mighty hike for Macmillan.
Macmillan were a vital source of support for Linda, her family, & me, through the most horrendous time.
Please consider donating ❤️🩹
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...
