SDLP MLA and Chair of the All Party Group on Mental Health, Mark H Durkan, spoke at the recent launch of ‘Elephant in The Room’ at Parliament Buildings this week.
The youth-led event discussed findings from a report by young people from the Northern Ireland & Belfast Youth Forums exploring young people’s awareness of mental health.
Mr Durkan commented: “I was delighted to attend this discussion and have the opportunity to engage with young people about one of the biggest challenges facing our society today.
“I was impressed by their pro-activeness and initiative, leading the charge in the improvement of mental health services and awareness for children and young people through peer research.
“We must address the Elephant in the Room that is the mental health crisis in the North. Too many of our youth are either suffering in silence or being let down by the glaring lack of services.
“Getting the bespoke treatment that children need is proving extremely difficult, if not near impossible.
“Poor mental health is one of the biggest health problems facing our young people today and should be treated as such in terms of investment
“I believe the stigma once associated with mental illness is being broken. We’re chipping away at it bit by bit. We’ve opened a dialogue, now is the time for action.
“Decisions aren’t being made here currently and that’s not good enough.
“Elected representatives need to show the same leadership exhibited by our young people and get a functioning Assembly back up and running.
“Vital issues such as mental health cannot wait.”
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