Mental Health Reform dismayed at Government reversal of budget commitment

Not great news unfortunately....

I think it's fair to say that we're all feeling just as dismayed here at Gateway.

Director of Mental Health Reform, Dr. Shari McDaid had plenty to say about this.

Mental Health Reform dismayed at Government reversal of budget commitment

Mental Health Reform has today expressed dismay at the Government’s rapid reversal of its Budget commitment to investment of €35M in 2017 for improvements in mental health services.

Speaking in response to an answer made by Minister of State Helen McEntee in the Dáil to a question put by Fianna Fail mental health spokesperson James Browne, TD, the Director of Mental Health Reform, Shari McDaid, said, “I am shocked to hear that there is scope for just €15M of additional spending for improvements in mental health care for 2017, given the overstretched and under-resourced state of our mental health system. This would represent only a 1.8% increase in funding for mental health compared to the 2016 budget, much less than the 7.4% increase in revenue spending for the health budget as a whole. Mental health has not been shown parity of esteem, much less the priority it needs by this Government.”

“We are seeking an urgent review of this Government decision to allow just 1.8% in additional spending in 2017 for mental health care improvements. Staffing levels in child and adolescent mental health services are 48% below recommended levels, while across the mental health services staffing is 21% lower than recommended. Mental health services have not recovered from the economic crisis and are still almost 1,000 staff below the level in 2008,” continued Dr. McDaid.

“More and more people of all ages are seeking support to recover from a mental health difficulty; more than 2,000 children and adolescents were waiting for a first appointment for mental health services in July of which 10% or 200 were waiting more than 12 months. Clearly more resources are needed at the coal face and a 1.8% increase is wholly inadequate to respond to this need. Notwithstanding the announced once-off funding for the new forensic mental health facility, we are asking the Government to allow the HSE to spend a full €35M on improvements to mental health care next year,” concluded Dr. McDaid."


Additional information

See here for response from Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee.
See here for response from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Mental Health Reform is the national coalition on mental health promoting improved mental health services and the social inclusion of people with mental health difficulties. 

See www.mentalhealthreform.ie for more details. For more information please contact: Ray Burke on rburke@mentalhealthreform.ie.

Dublin North Trialogue Poster Information

Howdy all,

Apologies for any cross-posting!

We received this information from former Gateway Development Worker John Kelly, who is now working at The Recovery College at Dublin City University.

It’s about the Dublin North Trialogue Group Meeting, We thought it might be of interest and would like to pass it on to you.

Please see the attached flyers for more information!

All the best, John M.

Hi,

Along with the courses being run this semester the Recovery College is delighted to invite you and all others interested to the very first North Dublin Trialogue group meeting, which is a space to discuss Mental Health topics with others interested.  This is part of a collaborative project and is being facilitated by a project team comprising of a service user, family member and mental health professional.

In Trialogue we come together to talk and most importantly listen together.  The hope is to share, to gain insight and learn from each other. 

We very much hope you can attend and please feel free to circulate this information to all friends, colleagues, groups, services and community networks as you see fit:

This initial Trialogue meeting is scheduled for:

Date: Monday October 24th
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Respond Housing Association, Grace Park Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9.

See attached poster & map for full details, directions and transport information.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

If you would like to confirm your place or have any questions feel free to contact us on the Details provided.

Kind regards
John Kelly
--
Dublin North, North East, Recovery College
Healthy Living Center 
Dublin City University 
Dublin 9 
Ireland 
Tel: 01 7008887
Mobile: 0858108712
www.recoverycollege.ie

Dublin North Trialogue Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

North Dublin Trialogue Meeting Map Directions by Gateway Project on Scribd

Happy World Mental Health Day! Join us if you can...

Hello and Best Wishes to All on World Mental Health Day

We are celebrating community wellbeing and strength today in a series of events which explore the 5 ways of wellbeing: 

CONNECT, BE ACTIVE, TAKE NOTICE, KEEP LEARNING, GIVE

Our event is open to all Gateway members, supporters, friends and people living locally to join us in celebration of each other and the day!

Below is our schedule of events for the day - please do drop in!
Fionn & Gateway

WMHD Schedule Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

World Mental Health Day 10.10.2016 by Gateway Project on Scribd

5 Ways to Wellbeing Bookmark by Gateway Project on Scribd

Newsletter and Monthly Schedule - October 2016

Howdy folks,

Apologies for the slight delay (Yet Again!), but here is our newsletter and schedule for october.

Enjoy!

All the best,

John M.

Gateway Newsletter October 2016

October 2016 by Gateway Project on Scribd

World Mental Health Day at Gateway - come join us!

Dear members, friends and supporters,

 Next Monday 10^th October from 12.00-5.00pm Gateway will host a community wellbeing event as part of World Mental Health Day celebrations around the world.
 Members have been planning the event over the past month and have put together a wonderful variety of activities to explore community and wellbeing together during the day.   These activities are centred around the Five Ways To Wellbeing, five simple actions we can build into our daily lives that contribute positively to our mental health and happiness.

CONNECT       BE ACTIVE        TAKE NOTICE      KEEP LEARNING    GIVE

The schedule for the day provides an opportunity to come together with others in the community in support of our health and happiness.  There will be refreshments, music, poetry, mindfulness and so much more!  You can check back here for updates in the mean time.
 We are really looking forward to meeting new friends, so please help us to spread the word and bring along friends, family and others to share in the day!
 Hope to see you there.
 Fionn & Gateway 

Music in Mind Singing at Gateway

Dear Members & Friends,

Gateway members are working with the National Concert Hall’s community outreach programme to explore the benefits and enjoyment of music and are invited to free their voices through a series of 6 choral workshops this autumn/winter. Please see the poster attached for details and if interested for yourself or another.  We are seeking participants who are able to commit to the full 6 workshops, request a place through Gateway’s office or through a project worker during drop in.

What, When  & How?
Free your voice through song, building your knowledge and confidence week upon week in a relaxed, fun environment.

6 week choral singing group, starting Wednesday 26th October 2016 from 11.00-12.30 in the MART Gallery (old Rathmines fire station opposite library)

Duration? 1.5 hour long workshops with accomplished Choral Director from the National Concert Hall.

Cost? Voluntary Course Contribution for 6 weeks: €15 paid through Gateway Office in advance.

Commitment? We ask singers to commit to the full 6 workshops for the best experience for everyone… Who knows, we might have a Gateway choir yet!

For who?  Open to Gateway Members and other peers living in Dublin South city (ask for more information if interested)... regardless of tuning or experience!

Book your place today through the Gateway Office on 01-4977005 or 085 7521220  or by reply email.  Places are on a first come, first served basis.

Happy singing!

Fionn & Gateway

Music in Mind Singing Flyer 2016 by Gateway Project on Scribd