Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, at the Official Opening of "Cois Alla" a New Social Housing Development at Greenane, Kanturk, Co. Cork. on Friday 26th January 2007 at 5.10pm
Introduction
I am delighted to be here today in Greenane, Kenturk, to officially open your new Social Housing development. I would like to thank the Board of Directors of Cork Mental Health Housing Association for inviting me to do so.
Having a place to call home is important for everyone in society. But meeting the housing needs of the most vulnerable members of society is crucial and having secure housing available is one of the key elements of recovery from a mental and physical illness. Suitable accommodation can be the single most important element in allowing people to successfully integrate back into their community.
The work of your organisation is significant for all members of the community. I believe that this development will prove to be an invaluable addition to the Mental Health Services for the North Cork area. This residence will offer a positive, encouraging atmosphere for its clients and will promote social integration and equal opportunities for all.
Development of Mental Health Services
Today is an example of the great changes that have unfolded in the mental health services in Ireland in recent years. The institutional style of the mental health service, standing in isolation and closed from the rest of the community, is thankfully becoming a thing of the past. This shift from predominately hospital based care has been extremely successful and undoubtedly the quality of care for persons with a mental illness has been enhanced by this development.
I am also conscious of the importance of education in promoting positive mental health. At national level, priority is being given to promoting a better understanding among the public, of mental health, thereby facilitating a greater and more positive acceptance of the transfer of mental health settings from institutional to community based settings.
Although great advances have been made in reducing suffering and accompanying disability, the battle against the stigma and social exclusion caused by mental illness is ongoing. It is in this area that the work of volunteers with organisations such as Cork Mental Health Housing Association is so important.
Volunteering and Active Citizenship
Voluntary organisations and their members have an essential role in a community based mental health service. Voluntary activity forms the very core of all vibrant and inclusive societies. It involves an incredible diversity of types of activity, ranging from the very informal to the highly structured. We all must work hard to protect and enhance the spirit of voluntary participation, particularly in a time of great change in our country. In today’s busy world the recruitment of volunteers presents a major challenge to all voluntary organisations. People have many demands on their time and it is important we publicly recognise the immense work done by voluntary organisations.
Volunteering is a winning opportunity, which benefits all aspects of social life, civil society and our sense of citizenship. It plays a vital role in our democratic life and in ensuring continued economic and social progress throughout the country. This Government is keen to promote, encourage and support voluntary effort and participation and sees this as a key objective of its social policy. This is why I established the Taskforce on Active Citizenship in April last year.
Active citizenship can be as simple as taking the time to chat to your neighbours, exercising your vote, volunteering at a local group and sharing a sense of responsibility for the community around us as well as ourselves and our families.
In this regard, the contribution of the volunteers who work with the Cork Mental Health Housing Association, in helping the most vulnerable in our society, is of great importance. I know that Cork Mental Health Housing Association would like to acknowledge the commitment and support from their many volunteers who give their time.
Development of Government Policy
In recent times there has been increased recognition of the need to address mental health as an integral part of improving overall health and well-being. In fact, mental health is now accepted as being as important as physical health.
The recent Report of the Expert Group on Mental Policy, “A Vision for Change”, calls for change in mental health services to be led by a partnership between all stakeholders. A comprehensive mental health care system requires that services at all levels – from community support groups, to voluntary groups, to primary care, to specialist mental health services – work in an integrated, coordinated fashion for the benefit of all people with mental health difficulties.
One of the fundamental principles of the report is ‘ recovery’, in the sense that people with mental illness can and should be facilitated in reclaiming their lives and becoming involved in society. To achieve this, people need supportive mental health services, but they also need supportive communities where actions are taken to address basic needs such as housing, employment and education. All of these elements are included in the vision for the future outlined in the report.
I do not pretend that implementing this vision will be easy or happen overnight. It will require sustained effort, a willingness to change by all stakeholders, as well as substantial investment. In the NDP, we have provided resources for major improvements in the years ahead. Getting on with delivery is now our priority.
Conclusion
I have to say that I am very encouraged by the spirit of co-operation that exists between the many groups and individuals providing psychiatric services in North Cork and I would like to compliment everyone associated with the project.
In particular, I would like to thank Mags Ryan, Development Officer at Cork Mental Health Housing Association, for the warm welcome that I have received. My best wishes go to all involved and I have the pleasure in declaring this residence officially open. I wish the residents every happiness and good health in their new home.
Thank you
ENDS