Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has joined the growing calls for the health and education ministers to prioritize high-quality mental health services in schools.
The South Down MLA emphasized that young people need timely, compassionate, and effective support when they are dealing with mental health challenges. She expressed concern over the long waiting lists for mental health services, noting that children and their families often face delays of months, sometimes even years, before receiving the help they desperately need.
Mason urged the ministers to take action, highlighting the importance of improving support for mental health and suicide prevention in schools and youth clubs. “More must be done to improve support for poor mental health and suicide prevention in our schools and youth clubs,” she said.
She called for a stronger focus on ensuring children receive the mental health support they need, stating, “Supporting young people’s health and well-being and ensuring they have the best start to life must be a priority.”
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