To ask the Minister of Health how he plans to make maximum use of the community and voluntary sector’s experience in mental health issues.

I am fully aware of the hugely important role our Community and Voluntary sector plays in supporting our communities’ mental health, providing much needed advice and wellbeing support, as well as commissioned services as part of the Stepped Care Model. I also recognise that organisations in this sector have come under incredible pressure during the pandemic, as they seek to support more people with less resources, and in hugely difficult circumstances.

In recognition of this, I recently announced the establishment of a £10M Mental Health Charities Support Fund that will equip and enable these charities in providing a wide range of support services for people with mental ill health and help to ensure that those who need to can continue to access mental health support services in the community.

As you are also aware, my Department is currently developing a new Mental Health Strategy and integration of the community and voluntary sector in mental health service delivery across Northern Ireland will be a particular focus within the Strategy.

Including the community and voluntary sector in the planning, development and delivery of mental health services will help to deliver better outcomes for patients and going forward, it is intended that all service delivery mechanisms must consider the role of the sector. The significant improvements to mental health services that we are seeking to deliver will only be possible with the input of the community and voluntary sector.