Review of Deliverability of Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy's Actions

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has published a review of the deliverability of the Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031's actions over the next three years. The review comes as a result of the Public Accounts Committee's report highlighting a substantial funding shortfall against the Strategy's estimated £1.2 billion cost. Despite this, the Department has committed to delivering the 20 actions underway within an extremely challenging financial context.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only £12.3 million has been allocated to 14 actions within the Strategy, representing just 16% of the funding deemed necessary for its implementation during the period.
  • The focus for 2026/27 will be on the Mental Health Workforce and the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, with a particular emphasis on unlocking the potential within the Community and Voluntary (C&V) sector.
  • The review outlines four medium-priority MHS actions proposed for phased implementation in 2027/28 and 2028/29, relating to mental health and older people, Digital Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental ill health.
  • Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasized that the review aims to focus and prioritize actions in light of the funding constraints, while recognizing that the Strategy in its entirety is still needed.
  • The review involved extensive consultation with over 100 individuals and numerous focus groups, highlighting a commitment to transparency and collaboration.

Statistics:

  • £12.3 million allocated to 14 actions within the Strategy (16% of the funding deemed necessary).
  • £1.2 billion estimated cost of the Mental Health Strategy.
  • 20 actions underway within the Strategy.
  • 16% of the funding deemed necessary for implementation allocated to 14 actions.
  • 4 medium-priority MHS actions proposed for phased implementation in 2027/28 and 2028/29.

Sources:

  • "The Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy: A Review of the deliverability of the Strategys Actions 2026-2029" (available on the Department of Health's website).
  • Public Accounts Committee's Report on Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland, published in June 2024.
  • Department of Health NI website.
  • Health Minister Mike Nesbitt's statement on the review.