OTnews August 2021 | Page 12

NEWS
10-year mental health strategy published for Northern Ireland
In line with commitments made as part of the New Decade , New Approach agreement , Health Minister Robin Swann launched a new 10-year mental health strategy and funding plan for Northern Ireland on 29 June 2021 .
The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 , which has been coproduced together with a broad range of stakeholders , will set the future strategic direction of mental health services in Northern Ireland for the next decade .
RCOT and members in Northern Ireland contributed to the strategy ’ s development through involvement in working groups and meeting with the interim Mental Health Champion , and submitted a written response ( www . rcot . co . uk / practice-resources / policylegislation / consultations / closed / northern-ireland ).
The strategy is person centred , takes a whole life approach and a whole system focus , and the key aim is to ensure long-term improved outcomes for people ’ s mental health .
It consists of 35 actions across three themes . The first theme is promoting mental wellbeing resilience and good mental health across society , and is focused on promotion , resilience and additional support across various parts of a person ’ s life , actions around additional therapy hubs and support for carers in mental health settings .
The second is providing the right support at the right time , and is focused on the delivery of services , to ensure people who need support receive the support they need , when they need it .
The third and final theme is new ways of working , focused on the systems around mental health services , such as the creation of a single mental health service , digital mental health , workforce , data and outcomes , and innovation and research .
Areas of relevance to occupational therapists include the creation of a sustainable rehabilitation service across Northern Ireland , and the profession is acknowledged for its work in resettlement and rehabilitation , as well as within the section on specialist interventions .
The strategy states that interventions across mental health focused on specialist areas should be delivered through multidisciplinary teams and occupational therapists are included in the list of professions mentioned .
Northern Ireland mental health services are struggling with high vacancy rates and having a well-equipped workforce will be key to the strategy ’ s success . A comprehensive workforce review is therefore planned to consider the existing workforce need and training , and the development of a new workforce , including allied health professionals , therapists and physician associates .
Genevieve Smyth , RCOT professional adviser welcomed the publication and said : ‘ We are pleased that the work of RCOT and Northern Ireland members has had impact , and some requests for inclusion in the 10-year mental health strategy have been adopted . Occupational therapists must be accessible for people who need their services , both generalist and specialist across the life span . It is critical they now act on reviewing the workforce .’
The strategy is published alongside a funding plan designed to identify the costs associated with developing , establishing and maintaining the services set out in its actions , which identifies an requirement of £ 112 million to £ 158 million revenue funding year on year , and a circa £ 285 million capital one-off investment .
To read the full strategy , visit : www . health-ni . gov . uk / sites / default / files / publications / health / doh-mhs-strategy-2021-2031 . pdf .
R & D @ RCOT bulletin available on website
The R & D @ RCOT bulletin is a resource for all RCOT members who are interested in engaging in and with research . It includes information about research-related events , publications , and funding opportunities .
We have been re-evaluating how the bulletin is circulated , to ensure we reach members effectively . From July 2021 onwards , the latest edition of R & D @ RCOT will be available on the RCOT website at : www . rcot . co . uk / research-anddevelopment under ‘ Research Networking and Information ’.
RCOT endorses guide for occupational therapists supporting someone living with motor neurone disease
RCOT is pleased to have endorsed the MND Association ’ s updated guide for occupational therapists supporting someone living with motor neurone disease ( MND ). It includes an overview of the disease and its impact on the ability to manage everyday tasks and occupations . It offers suggestions of how occupational therapists can support people to adapt to their changing symptoms and maximise their quality of life .
The guide can be downloaded at www . mndassociation . org / app / uploads / OT-for-MND . pdf . Hard copies can be ordered from the MND Connect helpline . Email mndconnect @ mndassociation . org or call 0808 802 6262 .
12 OTnews August 2021