A motion regarding mental health put forward by Solidarity today at the Limerick Metropolitan Council meeting, was passed unanimously.
The motion calls on the Minister for Health, Simon Harris to allow Limerick Council to implement a proven mental health awareness programme into all Limerick City primary and secondary schools.
Cllr. Paul Keller of Solidarity who moved the motion said, “Limerick is a black spot for depression and suicide. We have patrols who are doing their best to keep people from hurting themselves and mental health services that are completely underfunded. Our Council needs to start taking responsibility for this crisis. This is a welcome first step.”
Seónaidh Ní Shíomóin, Solidarity election candidate said, “I am really thrilled that this has passed. It’s only a small step in addressing the crisis in Limerick, but a really import and one. Solidarity’s mental health campaign ‘Stand up for Mental Health’, seeks to force the Council into action. We have a range of measures that we think could alleviate the mental health crisis in Limerick, such as having a 24-hour on-call hour crisis counsellor in the City, and appropriate lighting and barriers at the river.
“Most of all we need to address the chronic underfunding of mental health services. The government has displayed no political will to reverse cuts to funding and, in fact, seems to treat mental health services as an easy source for cuts. No longer will that be tolerated and we will be raising this as a key issue going forward and hope people that will get involved in the campaign.”
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