Press Release 1 April 2009
The decision by the British Government to invest £175 million sterling into mental health services to help them cope with increased demand caused by the recession should be an example followed by the Irish Government, the Irish Mental Health Coalition (IMHC) said today.  Ahead of the budget the IMHC called on the Government to invest in mental health services as part of its response to the economic and social difficulties facing the country.

Chairperson of the IMHC John Saunders said: “Our under-resourced mental health services are at the front line of responding to the emerging personal and social crises facing many individuals and families. Job insecurity, debt and rising unemployment are all factors that can impact upon mental well-being.

“Mental health services have reported increased pressure since the middle of last year and the need is growing. The demand for Console's counselling services has risen by 20% nationwide in the last 12 months, while the latest figures from the Samaritans show that 1 in 10 of their calls is related to the financial crisis. There is a proven link between times of economic hardship and increased demand on mental health service.  Services are already desperately in need of reform and a failure to act will have long-term consequences.”

The British Health Minister Alan Johnson has responded directly related to the growing numbers of people ‘affected psychologically by the recession’ by accelerating investment in mental health services, increasing staffing levels and opening a network of centres offering therapy services.

The impact of the global economic difficulties has been recognised by Secretary General of the World Health Organisation who said  “it is essential …  to learn from past mistakes and counter this period of economic downturn by increasing investment in health and the social sector.”

Now more than ever funds expended on mental health services must be monitored by the HSE and the Department of Health and Children, and this information made available to the public. The Government must ensure that there is transparency and accountability and allocated budgets are spent effectively.

The recent Mental Health Commission report, The Economics of Mental Health Care in Ireland, estimates that the annual overall cost of poor mental health in Ireland is €3 billion, or 2 per cent of GNP. It sets out the compelling economic case for increased investment in mental health services.  It says, “policy makers cannot afford not to invest in mental health”.

“Investment in community mental health services results in lower rates of hospital admission,” Mr Saunders pointed out.

“The HSE must not ‘rob peter to pay paul’ – overall staffing levels in mental health services must be maintained. The HSE must be able to recruit new and essential community based staff and this should not be affected by any recruitment embargo in order for the Government to have any chance of delivering on its mental health policy.

“The Government failed to adequately fund mental health services in times of economic prosperity.  It cannot now neglect these services again when they are needed most. Given the scale of the recession impact upon society, we are likely to see further demand on mental  health services. The Government must now invest in mental health in response to the economic and social crisis facing the country.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Mr. John Saunders, Chair, Irish Mental Health Coalition: 087 927 1292
Ms Caroline McGrath, Director, Irish Mental Health Coalition: 086 825 6792

A Core Group of five organisations is responsible for the operation of the IMHC:
Amnesty International Ireland
Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland
GROW in Ireland
Irish Advocacy Network.
SHINE (Formerly Schizophrenia Ireland)