To ask the Minister of Health to detail the work that is planned to explore the benefits of non-pharmaceutical treatments of depression compared to pharmaceutical treatments, including potential side-effects.

Although there are no current plans to directly compare the efficacy of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical mental health treatments, the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 fully recognises the benefits of non-pharmaceutical supports, for example talking therapies and social prescribing, for individuals struggling with their mental health, including those impacted by depression.

For example, Actions 5 and 19 respectively commit to expanding hubs for talking therapies and to further embedding psychological therapies across all steps of care. Preparatory work has been undertaken to review existing models and develop draft proposals for a new talking therapies hub model. However, additional resource will be required to take forward these proposals.

Action 4 of the Strategy commits to the provision of social wellbeing supports, such as social prescribing, as interventions for those struggling with their mental health. Additionally, Action 16 recognises the importance of Recovery Colleges, already well established in each Health and Social Care Trust, in ensuring a recovery focus, while Action 17 commits to fully integrating the community and voluntary sector in community-based mental health services delivery.

Subject to availability of future funding, delivery of all these actions will ensure that a full range of non-pharmaceutical options is available to promote good mental health and aid recovery.