Youth Mental Health & Human Rights

national | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Tuesday April 10, 2007 11:34 by UCD Equality Society

An information evening & public meeting at University College Dublin (UCD)

The UCD Equality Society and Amnesty International, with the support of Headstrong - are holding an information evening and public meeting that will focus on youth mental health and human rights. You are invited to come along and participate in the discussion, share your opinions and experiences and raise issues you want addressed.

Do you think mental health has been neglected for too long?

What: Youth Mental Health & Human Rights:
An information evening & public meeting at University College Dublin (UCD).

The UCD Equality Society and Amnesty International, with the support of Headstrong - are holding an information evening and public meeting that will focus on youth mental health and human rights. You are invited to come along and participate in the discussion, share your opinions and experiences and raise issues you want addressed.

Speaking at the event:
Noeleen Hartigan Programme Director, Amnesty International
Kieran Clifford Campaigns and Activism Manager, Amnesty International
Tony Bates CEO, Headstrong
Youth Advisory Panel to Headstrong representative

When: 7pm – 9pm,
Wednesday 25th April 2007

Where:
Theatre N,
Newman (Arts) Building,
UCD, Belfield
Dublin 4.

Why: In Ireland, mental health issues affect one in four people, with almost every family affected by it in some way. People experiencing mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to various forms of exclusion and inequality. Equally importantly, the social and economic conditions in which people live can and do impact on their mental health and well-being. The significance of having the right help and necessary services available and accessible cannot be understated.

In Ireland mental health promotion, preventative services and essential supports have been neglected by successive governments. Expenditure on mental health has remained disproportionately low when compared to other health sectors. The right of young people to the highest attainable standard of mental health has been hampered by poor and inconsistent service planning. Stigma and discrimination can prevent young people from speaking about mental health issues and seeking or receiving early support.

It’s time to take action!

For further information about this event, or if you wish to avail of ISL interpretation, please contact Carlos Bruen at 01 716 4638 or carlos.bruen@ucd.ie

Amnesty International is campaigning for the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health in Ireland. As part of the campaign Amnesty is organising a mental health lobbying network, regional public meetings on mental health, publishing action briefings, and is part of the Irish Mental Health Coalition.

Headstrong, as the National Centre for Youth Mental Health Ireland, works with others to improve services for young people and to reduce stigma about mental health issues through research, service development and public affairs activities.