Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has called on the health and education ministers to prioritise timely and well-informed mental health services in schools.
The South Down MLA said:
“Young people must have access to timely, well-informed and compassionate support when dealing with mental health issues.
“Mental health waiting lists are concerningly long, with children and their families often waiting months, sometimes years, for the help they desperately need.
“More must be done to improve support for poor mental health and suicide prevention in our schools and youth clubs.
“I am calling on the health and education ministers to improve mental health services in our schools to ensure children have the support which they need and deserve.
“Supporting young people’s health and well-being and ensuring they have the best start to life must be a priority.”
