MLA Órlaithí Flynn Demands Action And Investment On World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day, Sinn Féin MLA and mental health spokesperson, Órlaithí Flynn, called on the Health Minister to clarify plans for tackling the mental health crisis in Northern Ireland, demanding better investment and support for services.

The West Belfast MLA said the 2021 Mental Health Strategy promised "a decade of transformational change," but progress is "falling far short of what was committed."

Ms Flynn outlined several key demands:

• Regional Crisis Centre: An urgent need for a dedicated regional mental health crisis centre to provide immediate support, highlighting that long waiting lists are leaving people in crisis without essential care.

• Suicide Prevention Bill: The need for her proposed Suicide Prevention Bill to make suicide prevention training mandatory for frontline staff in public bodies to "foster a culture of awareness and care."

• Mother and Baby Unit: Establishment of a Mother and Baby Unit with specially trained staff to provide "much-needed help to women experiencing postpartum mental health issues."

Ms Flynn stressed that the Health Minister must provide clarity on all initiatives designed to address the current crisis.

Alliance Welcomes New Wildfire Strategic Framework Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has welcomed the launch of a new Strategic Framework to manage and reduce wildfires across Northern Ireland. The framework was introduced by Alliance DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following a spate of fires in the Mournes and Sperrins earlier this year.

Mr McMurray described rural arson as a "recurrent scourge on the Mournes," noting that the fires, often started maliciously or by negligence, destroy fragile habitats, endanger communities, and harm local economies at a substantial cost to the taxpayer.

Mr McMurray commended landowners, farmers, and other agencies for contributing to the framework, which he believes is a "milestone in addressing wildfires in the Mournes and elsewhere in Northern Ireland." The framework will lead to a subsequent action plan and a longer-term Wildfire Strategy.

NIFL Donates To Action Mental Health

The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has announced a donation of £6,761.35 to Action Mental Health. The funds were raised from the gate receipts and associated proceeds of July’s Charity Shield Final between Linfield and Dungannon Swifts.

The annual curtain-raiser saw Dungannon Swifts claim the first silverware of the season after a thrilling match at Windsor Park ended level in normal time and was settled on penalties.

Regan McFarland, NIFL Sales and Marketing Manager, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to make this presentation to Action Mental Health... The Charity Shield is about more than just football; it is about giving back to our communities and supporting causes that make a real difference."

The donation will support the charity's work to improve mental wellbeing and resilience across Northern Ireland, with NIFL acknowledging both clubs and the fans for helping to raise the "fantastic total."