A key provider of support within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, the service is home to people living with a range of mental health issues, serving as a live example of the extent to which the voluntary and community sector, working in partnership with health and social care trusts, can deliver positive, meaningful and recovery-focused outcomes.
During the visit, we discussed with the Minister a number of important topics, including care models and pathways, housing provision and funding for the Mental Health Strategy.
In addition, he was also able to speak with a number of the residents, who explained their experiences of moving from clinical settings to those based in the community.
Reflecting on the meeting, the Minister said:
“I would like to thank everyone at Inspire for providing me with the opportunity see first-hand the vital work that it does for those living with mental ill health.
“The community and voluntary sector plays a vital role in helping to meet the increasing demand for mental health support and I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the staff for all their dedication and commitment.”
Inspire Director Alex Bunting said:
“We are really pleased to welcome the Minister to our Bangor service and to demonstrate the importance of flexible community-based supported living options for individuals dealing with a variety of mental health conditions.
“Northern Ireland requires a cross-departmental approach that promotes recovery and helps people thrive. We were able to stress the importance of that today.
“In addition, we very much appreciated the time and space the Minister afforded to the people who call this place home and to the dedicated staff members working alongside them. Everyone was offered the opportunity to highlight their successes and to speak openly about the challenges being encountered in accessing, and delivering, the right support at the right time.”