News & Events

The coalition group Mental Health Reform has today (29/07/2013) given a broad welcome to the publication of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan. The National Disability Strategy is a ten-year plan (2006-2015) aimed at achieving social inclusion of people with disabilities, including people with a mental health disability. The Government’s commitment to making significant progress … Read more

The coalition group Mental Health Reform has today (29/07/2013) given a broad welcome to the publication of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan. The National Disability Strategy is a ten-year plan (2006-2015) aimed at achieving social inclusion of people with disabilities, including people with a mental health disability. The Government’s commitment to making significant progress … Read more

The publication today of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 is a welcome development, said a working group of civil society organisations (full list at the bottom of the release). Áine Hynes, Chair of the Irish Mental Health Lawyers Association, said: “This Bill will replace the long outdated Lunacy Act of 1871. The Government has cited the … Read more

Mental Health Reform welcomes today’s (11/07/13) launch of the Counselling in Primary Care service that will enable adult medical card holders throughout the country to access time-limited counselling through their GP. In response to the launch, Dr. Shari McDaid, Mental Health Reform’s spokesperson, commented: “One of the strongest messages to come out of the consultation … Read more

We continue our series of monthly member blogs, with this month’s blog coming from Pio Fenton, Chairperson of Samaritans in Ireland, about his experience of volunteering with the listening-ear service. “I could never say that before…” I first became a Samaritans volunteer about 9 years ago. It has been a huge experience in terms of getting … Read more

The national mental health coalition Mental Health Reform has expressed concern that the Inspector of mental health services has found that mental health services were ‘stagnant and perhaps have slipped backwards in 2012.’ The Inspector’s comments were published alongside the 2012 Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission. The Inspector’s continued finding that services are … Read more

Our fourth public meeting is coming up, this time in Balbriggan, North Co. Dublin: The meeting will discuss good quality mental health services and a recovery approach. The meeting will be held from 2:00pm to 4:30pm on: Thursday 20th June in Hamilton Hall, Balbriggan Town Hall. Mental Health Reform is the national coalition that promotes … Read more

Tom’s story: For me personally, when I first came into contact with Gateway the stigma was a factor in becoming a more active member. I would have a tendency to distance myself when my health is not good but this would distance me further. I am now very settled within Gateway and know most of … Read more

Press Release – Immediate Release 17/05/2013 Mental Health Reform welcomes appointment of new National Director for Mental Health Mental Health Reform has welcomed today’s announcement by Mr Tony O’Brien, Director General Designate of the HSE of the appointment of Stephen Mulvany as the new National Director for Mental Health. Commenting on the announcement, Orla Barry, … Read more

Mental Health Reform has welcomed today’s announcement by Mr Tony O’Brien, Director General Designate of the HSE, of the appointment of Stephen Mulvany as the new National Director for Mental Health. Commenting on the announcement, Orla Barry, Director of Mental Health Reform, said: “We have long been calling for a Director for Mental Health to be … Read more