Minister opens Praxis ‘Having Your Say’ conference

The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has opened a mental health conference in Belfast.

The forum, hosted at the Balmoral Conference Centre in south Belfast by volunteer group Praxis, was entitled ‘Having Your Say’, and was attended by delegates from throughout Ireland and included a key speaker from the Netherlands.

Ms de Brún said: “One of the aims expressed in the Executive’s Programme for Government is to enable those with disabilities, including mental health difficulties, to achieve the highest standards of living and to be fully integrated within society.

“Praxis has long been at the forefront of promoting self advocacy and empowerment for people suffering from a mental illness.”

Speaking to the delegates the Minister said she recognised the particular difficulties faced by people with mental health difficulties: “People with mental illness are among the most socially excluded in our society. Their feelings of isolation often compound their mental illness. They can lack confidence and self esteem, and can feel that they have nothing left to contribute to society.”

Praising the work of Praxis, Ms de Brún said: “Praxis provides a lifeline to these people who have become lonely and isolated, giving them direction and support. They encourage the users to become more self-confident, to speak up for themselves, to suggest improvements and, perhaps most important of all, not to be afraid to make a complaint. This is a major factor towards their full recovery.

“The quality of the service reflects not only the enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers but also the professionalism and ethos of the Praxis organisation.” (AMcE)