£175,000 Secured To Establish New Mental Trauma Service

Funding for a new mental trauma service for Northern Ireland has been announced by Health Minister Simon Hamilton.

A total of £175,000 has been allocated to help victims affected by the Troubles.

Mr Hamilton made the announcement at the opening of a mental health summit by Action Mental Health.

The service has been designed to help people affected by the Troubles

Minister Hamilton said: "I am pleased to report that positive progress is being made. The intention is that the final model will be based on the internationally-recognised Stepped Care approach, with low-level interventions provided by voluntary and community organisations, integrated with more intensive interventions by qualified professionals within the HSC under the auspices of a new Regional Specialist Service. To assist in getting our new mental trauma service off the ground I can confirm that I have invested £175,000 of funding for early set-up costs."

The service aims to:

• comprehensively address the legacy of the Troubles and address unmet mental health needs;

• improve individual, family and community experiences of mental health trauma care;

• improve the psychological and social outcomes for individuals, their families and communities who have been traumatised as a result of the Troubles.

(CD)