Posted 21.04.2021 

The above is what Health Minister Robin Swann said this week as he announced the establishment of new grant schemes of £10m each for cancer and mental health charities and a Carers Support Fund of £4m.

The COVID-19 impact on mental ill health lags behind physical health, with the mental health surge now starting. In-patient mental health services are experiencing extreme demand and have never been under more pressure. The Mental Health Support Fund will help during the increase in demand by easing pressures on statutory services."

The Mental Health Support Fund will provide grants to charity organisations who provide interventions to improve the population’s mental health.

The Minister has also allocated £15m to Health Trusts to boost the support available for healthcare workers across Northern Ireland.

Read more on the major new health service support funds