Mental Health Committee

The Mental Health Committee was built on activity undertaken by the SBNI during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This in turn was underpinned by the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031, Mental Health Action Plan and COVID-19 Mental Health Response Plan. The committee placed a policy emphasis on providing a voice for children and young people affected by mental health issues.

Aim

To provide a voice for children and young people affected by mental health issues.

Objectives

  • To work with government departments and agencies to reduce the incidence of those affected by mental health issues;
  • To work with partners to raise awareness among parents/carers and professionals of the effect of poor mental health and any associated stigma, on children and young people;
  • To work with partners to promote awareness for children and young people in how to recognise, respond and seek help in relation to mental health; and
  • To work with partners to promote training in how to improve the recognition, assessment and responses to children, young people and families experiencing the impact of mental health issues.

Membership

The group is chaired by an Interim Deputy Director, SPPG.  Membership comprises representatives from the five Health and Social Care Trusts and;

  • Action for Children
  • Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland
  • Education Authority Northern Ireland (EANI)
  • National Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
  • Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI)
  • Presbyterian Church in Ireland Social Witness 
  • Public Health Agency (PHA)
  • Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland (SBNI)
  • Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health (SPPG)
  • Youth Justice Agency (YJA)