Mr. Ward mentioned, 'Seventy-five per cent of all mental health conditions are established by the age of 25. Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 are not specifically targeted for early intervention.' This underscores Sinn Féin's commitment to addressing critical early intervention in mental health, emphasizing the need for tailored support for young individuals, which can lead to better mental health outcomes in adulthood.
At the launch, Mr. Ward pointed out, 'We have over 540 children who are languishing on the waiting lists for over a year. That is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with straight away.' This statement highlights the current failings of existing services and frames Sinn Féin’s urgent call for increased capacity and access within mental health services for children.
Mr. Ward criticized the current limitations, stating, 'They made 49 recommendations, but they haven't got the statutory powers to make sure that these recommendations are implemented.' This reveals a significant gap in the infrastructural support necessary for effective mental health reform and the importance of legislative changes to achieve this.
Discussing the introduction of new services, Mr. Ward said, 'Sinn Féin would address this by introducing a new Child and Youth Mental Health Service that would eventually replace Camhs.' This proposal stresses the need for a dedicated service that ensures continuity in care as young individuals transition into adulthood, addressing a critical gap in present systems.
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