Joan Freeman

Delighted to be involved in the latest episode of Where There's A Will by A Lust For Life.

A Lust For Life is an extraordinary charity that is actively campaigning for society to talk more openly about mental health. In this episode, we delved into policies and politics of the mental health system in Ireland.

Have a listen to the full podcast in the link below - https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/where-theres-a-will/id1441313134?mt=2

(Video via A Lust For Life)

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Future of Mental Health Care recently finished up and published its final report on what it believes must be done to ensure the provision of a comprehensive mental healthcare service in Ireland.

As Chairperson of the Committee, I asked Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar on whether he will confirm the creation of a permanent mental health care committee.

And, I ask you all to voice your support for this.

Ireland must be more ambitious. We are closing hospital wards rather than expanding services. At any given time, we have approximately 50 beds for acutely mentally ill children when more than 2,800 children are on waiting lists needing a timely service. The latest figures show that, at the end of August, 6,340 children were on a waiting list for primary care psychology.

A permanent committee will ensure that the budget and services for mental health will not disappear, but rather the committee will continue to make practical recommendations, backed by experts, to steer us towards a mental health service that is fit for purpose.