The refusal of the HSE to consider establishing a mental health helpline for students sitting State exams has been criticised by local Independent Deputy, Denis Naughten.
“The West Regional Health Forum had recommended to the HSE that the National Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing establish a mental health helpline for those sitting State exams this month.
“I raised this issue directly with the Minister for Health and the HSE has now informed me that it believes establishing a national student mental and emotional helpline is not an effective means of providing information and support to this group of young people and that is extremely disappointing.
“I am strongly of the view that a properly resourced student helpline could provide a clear one-stop-shop and expedite access to supports and services. We must recognise the unique mental health challenges engendered by recurrent educational, health and social disruption through Covid, the prolonged delay in confirming the format of the Leaving Cert this year.
‘’While there are many excellent emotional and mental health resources, a helpline manned by trained personnel and targeted to these young people is more user-friendly. I know from previous questions I’ve put forward at the health forum that there are long waiting lists for psychology and CAMH services with key personnel not in place in some services and I’m very concerned that with their unique pressures that they may not be able to access the services they need in a timely fashion and that’s why I’ve looked for a responsive Student Helpline,” Deouty Naughten asserted.
Denis Naughten will now raise the issue in Dáil Eireann with the Taoiseach.
Supports for students are available at: www.jigsaw.ie, www.spunout.ie, www.mymind.org , through Turn2me or by texting 50808.
