The Department of Health has published a review of the deliverability of the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 actions over the next three years, highlighting that significant funding constraints are severely limiting its progress.

The MHS was estimated to cost £1.2 billion for its full implementation. The review, which the Department committed to following a Public Accounts Committee report on mental health services published in June 2024, found that delivery has been proceeding in an "extremely challenging financial context."

As of the end of the 2024/25 financial year, only £12.3 million has been allocated to 14 of the Strategy's actions. This represents just 16% of the funding deemed necessary for the Strategy's implementation during that period.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed his disappointment that, halfway into the Strategy's lifetime, the review was necessary. He confirmed that no additional funding has been allocated to support the Strategy's delivery since its publication in 2021. Minister Nesbitt stated: "The financial constraints facing my Department are well documented and, since the publication of the Mental Health Strategy in 2021, no additional funding has been allocated to support its delivery. This presents a significant challenge and places considerable pressure on our ability to deliver to best effect and achieve the outcomes we know are needed."

The review involved extensive consultation with over 100 individuals and numerous focus groups. It sets out a priority-focused plan to maximise impact within the available resources.

Key Priorities for the Next Three Years (2026-2029)

For the 2026/27 financial year, the focus will be on two crucial "enablers for broader system improvement":

• Mental Health Workforce: With an emphasis on unlocking the potential within the Community and Voluntary (C&V) sector.

• Regional Mental Health Crisis Service: To ensure individuals in crisis receive appropriate support consistently across the region.

The review also outlines four medium-priority MHS actions proposed for phased implementation in the following years (2027/28 and 2028/29):

• Mental health and older people.

• Digital Mental Health.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS).

• Supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental ill health.

Minister Nesbitt stressed that the review is a "sharpening of our focus to maximise impact within the resources available," and does not represent a dilution of commitment. He concluded by affirming that he will "continue to make that case" for sustained and additional investment until the Strategy is fully realised.