I Have signed up to 4 key actions to support mental health locally, if elected:

1.Demand improved community-based mental health services locally for children and adults, and the implementation of the current mental health policy A Vision for Change.
2.Commit to funding for local community mental health groups that support recovery from mental health difficulties.
3.Ensure that there is effective communication between local authorities and community mental health teams, in or…der to prevent homelessness.
4.Pass a Council resolution stating that in its work, the Council will seek to promote mental health and well-being among the whole local population.

‪#‎votetimmons

The right to the highest attainable standard of mental health is a fundamental human right. Sadly this right is far from a reality for the majority of people seeking mental health and support services today and while the May elections will be dominated by economic concerns we must not forget that, according to the Mental Health Commission, the annual cost of poor mental health in Ireland is staggering running into a billion Euro , or around 2% of GNP.

The practical problems …of day-to-day living can be extremely challenging for people experiencing mental or emotional distress and is tightly wed to social exclusion and discrimination. Within its remit Local Government must fulfil its duties to people experiencing mental health difficulties both by prioritising their access to the services it provides and also by advocating for their rights in a way that feeds into the national political debate.