Press Statement: Mental Health Funds

PRESS STATEMENT 20th April 2016

The National Student Executive of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) is highly concerned in relation to the proposed reallocation of €12 million mental health funds. They are advocating for the reintroduction of guidance counsellors to all second-level schools.Speaking this morning, Rob O’Donnell (President) said;“All efforts should be made to protect every young person within their time in second-level education. The mental health of students is of the utmost concern, and we are deeply concerned with the proposed cutbacks to funding. Guidance counsellors, teachers and school management are already under extreme pressure due to education cutbacks. Adding this cutback will be a huge step backwards in a time when there is wide recognition for the need of adequate nationwide mental health services.”***ENDS***Contact ISSU Main Office 01 443 4461 / communications@issu.ie

“Is anybody going to listen?”

ISSU PRESS RELEASE     24/02/10

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union feels that the inadequate mental health facilities in second-level schools are severely damaging the wellbeing of our students. At present, there is very little support available in schools for students who are going through tough times. ISSU is campaigning for specialised and dedicated mental health counsellors to be introduced to second-level schools; we are fast falling behind the majority of European countries in this regard.The age at which young people are in second-level education is the age range during which many young people first experience problems associated with mental health and wellbeing thus it is essential that in all schools, there are adequate supports to support students experience difficulties in relation to mental health. A report published by Amnesty International today states that mental health is costing the state 3 billion per year. By supporting students at second level and dealing with mental health difficulties with early intervention, ISSU feels that in the long term the state will save millions. We have to care for or young people of today, the generation of tomorrow. Not only will they save millions but it will allow young people’s mental health problems to be dealt with and managed in a setting that is safe and familiar to them. This early intervention will allow young people to lead happier lives. We’ve suffered in silence for long enough. We need change. Is anybody going to listen?