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, Director of Mental Health Reform, said: “We have long been calling for a Director for Mental Health to be … Read more

Mental Health Reform launches report on recovery from mental health difficulties

Mental Health Reform has launched a report exploring the idea of recovery from mental health difficulties. The report, Recovery … what you should expect from a good quality mental health service, was launched on the occasion of the organisation’s first AGM (25/04/2013). Speaking at the launch, Mental Health Reform Director Orla Barry explained: “In our public … Read more

No more staffing delays – Mental Health Reform urges local action on mental health staffing

Press Release For Immediate Release No more staffing delays – Mental Health Reform urges local action on mental health staffing Mental Health Reform has asked people to contact their local elected representatives, in an effort to keep pressure on the Government to honour its commitment to appoint new staff for community mental health services this year. Orla Barry, … Read more

Letter to the Irish Times

Published 10/01/2013 Sir, – Mental Health Reform shares the concerns about the current lack of multidisciplinary staff for community mental health teams expressed by Dr Aisling Denihan (January 7th). What does it say about Ireland’s commitment to providing good-quality mental healthcare that, almost 30 years after it became government policy to provide multidisciplinary community mental … Read more

Mental Health and First Fortnight

Mental Health Reform has called for support for the mental health of those on the margins of society. The call comes as the organisation takes part in the First Fortnight mental health arts festival in Dublin from 2nd to 12th January. Mental Health Reform’s Director Orla Barry said: “We are delighted to be associated with … Read more

Mental Health in Budget 2013

Here is Mental Health Reform’s analysis of the main points from Budget 2013 as they relate to mental health and related services and supports: Health: An additional €35 million allocated next year for mental health services. This is in addition to the €35 million allocated for 2012, some of which will have been spent in … Read more

Email Cabinet Ministers today on mental health

First of all, we’d like to thank you all for your support so far. But we urgently need to ask for your help again before Budget Day next Wednesday. Minister for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch has said she can’t rule out cuts to the mental health budget. The Cabinet meets again tomorrow (Saturday 1st Dec) evening to finalise Budget … Read more

Audio Shorts

“The big issue that is occurring in terms of mental health is that the voices of people who use the mental health services, their family members, friends and carers, tend not to be listened to … So, for us, a priority is to listen. And I can assure you that, in listening, everything is there.” … Read more