A new Government working group is to be formed to deal with challenges on mental well-being and resilience in Northern Ireland, it has emerged.
The move was made during a special meeting around the planning of crucial public services on Wednesday, where the issue of mental health was high on the agenda.
SDLP 's Nichola Mallon said any new Executive must prioritise the mental health and addiction crisis devastating Northern Ireland.
And speaking yesterday following an Executive meeting, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “We took the opportunity to look at the challenges and opportunities for the new Executive, and how we can work collaboratively together.
“It was very clear from our discussion that we share a determination to play our part in improving society’s mental health and well-being.
“I welcome the Health Minister Robin Swann’s drive to tackle this issue and can assure him of the support of the Executive in delivering improvements.”
The deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said work had to be done across all departments and sectors to tackle the issue.
She added: “Mental health does not discriminate. It’s an issue that affects people in all walks of life, across all communities.
“This is not just a matter for the Department of Health. It is much broader, much more complex and all Ministers have a role to play.
“All parties in the Executive recognise this and we are all committed to keeping this issue at the heart of government."
The Executive is set to further consider the composition and remit of the working group next Monday.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I am committed to doing everything I can to improve people’s mental health and well-being. However, this is an issue that requires a strategic, coordinated and sustained approach across government departments.
“I very much welcome the support of the entire Executive in making suicide prevention and mental health a top priority and the commitment to work across departmental boundaries to make progress on this crucial issue.”
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