At the onset of the pandemic, the HSE responded rapidly by reconfiguring existing services and putting additional services and supports in place in order to respond to any rise in mental health service need. To adapt and improve accessibility, Mental Health Services and many of its funded NGO partners, successfully fast-tracked new digital health options including innovative online, text and phone supports. Telehealth services are now fully established and are provided as part of a blended service delivery, the majority of which are available seven days per week, with some providing 24-hour support. 7-day telehealth services include YourMentalHealth.ie, the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline 50808 and NGO partners’ online supports (details of each can be found on yourmentalhealth.ie).
The HSE recently partnered with SilverCloud, on the national roll out of digital cognitive behavioural therapy (links.uk.defend.egress.com/Warning?crId=615f0e0d8018f31fc6b588b9&Domain=health.gov.ie&Base64Url=eNo9ykEKgDAMBdETpQGX3ibi15SmpZhArm83up15GjF9Z87MraijVHDC7EAdN3eMECOFWCiH4pFZ4bRiW59knOSwawmb_NXfFY1uLxS6JQ4%3D) (CBT) to address depression and anxiety in Ireland in an effort to make mental health support more widely available. Referrals can be made from Primary Care Psychology, the National Counselling Service, Jigsaw and GPs across Ireland, enabling individuals, including young people to access essential supports within 24 hours of referral.
Last year I launched the Talking Therapies Model of Care, which is delivered by trained therapists. Talking Therapy helps people to better understand their feelings and behaviour in order to make positive changes and improve their lives. In Ireland, we currently offer a range of talking therapies to people experiencing mental health difficulties, in primary care, specialist services and through HSE partner organisations.
Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) continues to be available to adults with medical cards. In December, I announced a significant reduction of over 19% among children and young people under 18 waiting more than 12 months to be seen by Primary Care Psychology following an allocation of €4 million last August to address such lists through targeted initiatives. Work continues on the development of a sustainable Primary Care Psychology Service.
For young people specifically, the HSE continues to work with SpunOut.ie to provide engaging online mental health content and signposting. Jigsaw also has developed other offerings to support young people, notably through its Live Chat service.
Dedicated funding was allocated to respond to the challenges of Covid-19, including €2.2 million in 2020, €15 million in 2021 and a further €10 million as part of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead Plan. As part of this €10 million a number of initiatives have been identified and are being progressed by HSE Mental Health Services and NGO partners. These include enhanced signposting and access to existing mental health services, increased channels for signposting, increased provision for service delivery, psychosocial response planning at Community Healthcare Organisation level, and initiatives for children and young people of school age, at third level and in non-education settings.
An additional once off €10 million was announced on Budget Day to further support the mental health sector. A significant amount of the funding will be used to improve the experiences of people using HSE mental health inpatient units, day centres, community mental health teams and community residences in every community across the country. Almost €3 million will be made available to the community and voluntary sector, including €1 million to NGO partner MyMind. Through this funding, MyMind will continue to deliver free of charge counselling sessions, in over 15 languages, to clients impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to 16,500 counselling and psychotherapy sessions will be provided, via video or telephone call to individuals. Since 2020, with funding from the Slaintecare Integration Fund, MyMind has delivered over 21,000 appointments.
As part of this funding, Mental Health Ireland will manage a grant scheme on behalf of the Department, providing grants of between €10,000-€30,000 for the development and implementation of locally-led actions from community and voluntary agencies promoting mental health and wellbeing in the context of Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life.
In addition, the HSE is delivering whole population mental health and well-being services in response to Covid-19 based on the HSE Psychosocial Framework, which is reflective of best international practice. Launched in January 2021, the framework provides a clear plan to build on existing psychosocial supports to the public and healthcare workers, with a co-ordinated, consistent and collaborative approach to mental health services. Supports are provided across five key levels, from mental health promotion to specialist services, during and beyond Covid.
The Government has invested €7 million in the Keep Well campaign to support initiatives with a range of partners, including ‘Keeping In Contact’ and the Community Call programme aimed at people who might be experiencing isolation and offering befriending services.
More generally but significantly, all aspects of mental health services continue to be improved and developed, through implementation of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (StV). The policy aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
A negative mental health outcome from the pandemic is not inevitable, if we respond in a cohesive manner. Nevertheless, the Department and HSE continue to plan for any surge in demand as it arises, including through consultation with the community and voluntary sector.
As the HSE is responsible for delivering mental health services, I am referring this PQ to them for part answer to ensure a comprehensive account of therapy and counselling services being provided during and post-Covid-19.
