The use of “crisis cafes” where people who are in mental distress can go to as an alternative to hospital A&Es is proposed in a new Government ten-year strategy. The plan ‘Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone’ was launched by Minister for State Jim Daly, who had responsibility for mental health, and Health Minister Simon Harris today. In response John Saunders, chairman of the Mental Health Commission, the State watchdog on mental health, issued a stark warning to the incoming government that they must commit to ensuring the full implementation of the refreshed mental health policy if Ireland finally wants to move mental health care out of the shadows of the past. “We have been talking about the failures of the mental health system in Ireland for far too long,” added Mr. Saunders. Minister Daly said: “I am delighted to launch “Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone”.

Source: Irish Independent June 17, 2020 12:56 UTC