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Minister Kathleen Lynch TD attends Mental Health presentations

Minister Kathleen Lynch, TD, Minister of State in the Department of Health, and the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence with responsibility for Disability, Older People, Equality and Mental Health, attended this year's presentation of projects by participants in the 'Cooperative Learning: Service Improvement Leadership' programme for mental health service users, carers and service providers.

The programme was developed through an ongoing partnership between, the HSE, National Office for Mental Health Services, selected National Mental Health Services, the Irish Advocacy Network, the National Service User Executive and School of Nursing, Dublin City University; and in association with the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership.

The aim of the course is to bring service users, carers, family members and service providers together in a joint learning environment. Here participants develop their understanding of the nature and practice of a cooperative learning; participative action and open dialogue as an effective approach to leading change in healthcare organizations. This process culminates in these teams to instigate and lead a service improvement in their local mental health service. Speaking at the event, Minister Lynch stressed that most individuals experience mental health problems at some stage in their lives, and that often the resolution lies within their own community. She reiterated her commitment to making the vision a reality and welcomed initiatives such as the leadership programme in helping to bring this about.

The programme was introduced in 2007 at the DCU School of Nursing and has continued to develop in line with recommendations made under the health policy document, 'A Vision for Change', which is intended to bring about changes in the way mental health services are delivered. One of the key aspects of change revolves around the notion of inclusion and partnership in the delivery of mental health care in Ireland.

The DCU Leadership Programme and the recently developed Mental Health Trialogue Network Ireland project are both partnership-based initiatives which involve mental health professionals, service users, as well as carers and family members of people with mental health problems. Speaking at the event, Liam MacGabhann said, "DCU is at the edge in terms of working with partners in developing their mental health services, which are different from traditional models.

We believe in partnership and working together as equals with all members of the group - the healthcare professional, the service user and the family members. On this course the participants explore together with course facilitators, the challenges and possibilities for service improvements, through presentation, group work and critical debate. In addition, participants begin to examine models and tools that will aid their projects in the second part of the course".