Stand Up For Mental Health call for state intervention into mental health crisis

THE Stand Up For Mental Health – Limerick campaign group have renewed their call for a state intervention into the mental health crisis.

They say that lives will be lost, without a rapid government response. An activist with
SUFMH, Alex McInerney said, “The need for social distancing and isolating is leaving people extremely vulnerable during this time.

“They can’t be left to fend for themselves. Proper mental health supports need to be put in
place.”

The campaign group believes there needs to be an immediate implementation of an online counselling service.

They say that people who are in mental distress could contact this online service and be referred to an appropriate professional mental healthcare therapist.

This would really alleviate people’s anxiety, knowing that they haven’t been abandoned in their time of need.

“It would also act an as intervention until normal services resume.” McInerney explained.

SUFMH – Limerick are also supporting a call by the charity who are providing a Cork based air ambulance, for the government to provide immediate interim support to allow the continuation of this service.

This air ambulance has been involved in dozens of interventions and rescue calls in Limerick.

The campaign say it is needed now more than ever, and the State needs to ensure this happens.

It was reported yesterday that due to a lack of fundraising the helicopter would be grounded from Friday.