€35m cash for mental health

A LONG-AWAITED cash injection of €35m has been announced to strengthen and develop community mental health services, which have been under serious pressure.

The cash will also be used for a suicide crisis initiative, improved response to deliberate self-harm, and training for GPs.

The investment was broadly welcomed by national umbrella group Mental Health Reform, but it warned the money could be lost without the appointment of a directorate of Mental Health Services.