Mental health crisis services and staffing pressures pushed to top of Stormont agenda

Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhan O'Neill with Philip McGuigan MLA, Chair of the Health Committee and Danny Donnelly MLA, Deputy Chair of the Health Committee.

Expanding community mental health support and tackling mounting pressure on crisis services have emerged as urgent priorities after frontline organisations warned politicians about growing strain across Northern Ireland’s mental health system.

More than 50 people from across the sector gathered at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, June 4, for a major stakeholder event hosted by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Health Committee in partnership with Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhán O’Neill.

Representatives from around 30 organisations — including Action Mental Health, Inspire Wellbeing and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland — took part in discussions focused on the increasing pressure facing services and the need for earlier intervention closer to people’s homes.

The concerns raised during the roundtable discussions will now help shape recommendations from the Health Committee to the Minister of Health, potentially influencing future mental health policy and service delivery across Northern Ireland.

Community support model under spotlight

Central to the discussions was the Department of Health’s proposed “Neighbourhood Model”, designed to bring together local health, social care and community services in a more joined-up system aimed at supporting people earlier before problems escalate into crisis.

Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening community-based services, warning that people are often struggling to access help quickly enough when experiencing mental health difficulties.

Attendees also raised ongoing concerns about staffing pressures within the mental health workforce, alongside difficulties surrounding the availability and accessibility of crisis intervention services.

The event brought together voices from statutory services, charities and voluntary sector organisations working directly with people experiencing mental health challenges and distress.

Frontline organisations warn of growing pressures

Health Committee Chair Philip McGuigan MLA said the discussions reinforced the need for services that are easier to access and better connected across communities.

“The Committee greatly values opportunities to engage directly with those working on the front line of mental health services,” he said.

“The insights shared at this event reinforced the need for services that are accessible, joined-up and community-based, while also addressing ongoing workforce and crisis care challenges.”

Professor Siobhán O’Neill said poor mental health continues to have far-reaching consequences across society and healthcare services.

“Poor mental health causes significant suffering, and also underpins many of the health difficulties that people here are facing,” she said.

“It is therefore important that MLAs learn about the challenges faced by people who are trying to access mental health services, and the vital work undertaken in the community to support people in distress.

“It is important that suicide prevention and mental health services are prioritised with the introduction of the neighbourhood model.”

Pressure on services remains a major concern

The discussions come amid continued concern over demand for mental health support services across Northern Ireland, with community organisations and charities increasingly filling gaps for people struggling to access timely support.

Stakeholders at the event stressed that improving early intervention and strengthening local support networks could help reduce pressure on emergency and crisis care services while improving outcomes for vulnerable people.

Speakers and guests at the event included Mike Farrar, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the mental health and voluntary sectors.

The Health Committee is expected to use feedback gathered during the workshop to help inform future recommendations to the Department of Health as discussions continue around the future shape of mental health services in Northern Ireland.