We are delighted to be included in the first round of Mental Health Support Fund projects announced by Health Minister Robin Swann
This funding will allow us to set up a brand new regional advocacy service, Advocacy for All. We will support people with mild/moderate mental ill health, helping to ensure that they have the services they need, when they need them.
Alex Bunting, Group Director of Inspire Mental Health and Addiction Services, said:
“With the money we have been granted by the Mental Health Support Fund, we will ensure that our new Advocacy for All service reaches thousands of people across Northern Ireland. This is a regional service that people will have access to, no matter where they live. There will be no postcode lottery, no waiting list and anyone who reaches out to us will get to speak to someone immediately.
“Our experience tells us that this service has been missing for far too long. Time and time again, we heard from people who had not been given appropriate information about their illness, its symptoms and the services available to them. Through this service, people with lived experience of mental ill health, along with their family and carers, will get the information, advice and support they need. It champions individual choice and control when it comes to how best to manage and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
“We are delighted to see the wide spread of £8.7m in support grants to our sector colleagues across Northern Ireland. The wide range of charitable and community organisations providing services will have a significant impact on the support our community and voluntary sector can provide and we are proud to play our part.”
We welcome the award by the Department of Health’s Mental Health Fund, administered by The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.