Waterford's Mary Butler is encouraging young people to reach out for help this World Mental Health Day.
The Fianna Fail TD is Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and has launched a leaflet for younger people. It's a collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills, with assistance from the HSE.
Delighted to launch this Mental Health and Wellbeing leaflet for Younger People on #WorldMentalHealthDay #itsokaynottobeokay and it’s okay to ask for help. Take care of yourself @HSELive @roinnslainte @fiannafailparty @OgraFiannaFail @FineGael @yfg @greenparty_ie @YoungGreenParty pic.twitter.com/oPpt1M89eF
— Mary Butler TD (@MaryButlerTD) October 10, 2020
This leaflet will signpost and provide details of a number of HSE funded national organisations that provide various mental health supports and services to young people and their parents around the country. The leaflet will be circulated to 4,000 schools and will be available online to download for those working with young people. Details of these services and more are also available on www.yourmentalhealth.ie.
Minister Butler said: "There are many organisations that do a fantastic job around the country helping young people with their mental health. We are living in a time of unprecedented worry and anxiety in Ireland and I want to make sure that information is available for young people. I am hopeful that many will find the help they need when they need it and that this additional information source will be of assistance."
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, said "The promotion of wellbeing and positive mental health for all of our children and young people is a whole-of-government issue and this is more important than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools play a key role here by providing supportive and protective relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and supporting the development of adaptive skills. We know, however, that some students may need additional support and therefore I am pleased that this mental health support leaflet is being made available to school communities."
