A public meeting on mental health will be held in Portarlington at the end of the month, with renowned singer Senator Frances Black confirmed as the keynote speaker.
Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South and member of the Oireachtas committee for the future of mental health services, Fiona O’Loughlin is to host the public meeting on Mental Health on Monday 28th May, at 7.30pm.
The meeting is being held in the East End Hotel, Portarlington and the keynote speaker will be Independent Senator Frances Black, who will both be available to answer questions from the audience.
Deputy O’Loughlin said: “This public meeting is an opportunity for people to discuss mental health services in our community and a personal account of addictions and how they impact.
“Sadly, the many stories of difficulties in accessing services and support resonate with a lot of people through my locality and I want to work with the community to achieve successful changes that are wanted and needed.
“The confidence and supply arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael commits to the full implementation of the ‘A Vision for Change’ policy, and this remains a key priority for us. There has been significant under investment in mental health services in recent years and this practice must change,” Deputy O’Loughlin said.
Measure
“One key measure which we want to see is the introduction of a multi-annual plan for the development of mental health services. Currently the Government allocates funding to mental health on a year to year basis.
“This is preventing long term planning and development from taking place. Instead there should be a multi-annual plan so that our mental health services can be developed with certainty.
“The purpose of this public meeting is to provide a platform for locals to know what resources are available locally and nationally and, will provide a greater understanding into mental health illness. The meeting is open to all members of the public and is free of charge,” concluded Deputy O’Loughlin.
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