MEMBERS of the public dealing with mental health issues were given a chance to talk of the struggles in their daily lives during a special event to mark World Mental Health Day which takes place tomorrow.
Action Mental Health - the assembly commission's Charity of the Year - held the 'Statements in the Senate' event yesterday in the Senate chamber at Parliament Buildings.
The event gave a number of people dealing with mental health issues the chance to make a five-minute statement about an issue which has personally affected them, including welfare reform, access to mental health services, the justice system and the healing impact of work placements.
After speaking, each then received a response from the chair, or a representative from either the Health, Employment and Learning, Justice or Social Development committees. David Babington, chief executive of Action Mental Health, said he was "really pleased" those dealing with mental health issues had been given a chance to talk about issues affecting them. Assembly Speaker William Hay said to be able to hear the life experiences "and how decisions made at the assembly have, or could, impact them was invaluable".
Meanwhile, Praxis Care, one of the UK's larger charities and a major provider of mental health services, is hosting a series of events to support and promote World Mental Health Day.
The events include a mental ill health anti-stigma campaign, a sponsored read, a Belfast Street Collection and coffee mornings.