Health Minister visits Aspen Beacon Centre and praises the work done their
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has praised the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (Niamh) for the services that they provide for people with mental health problems.
During a visit to the Aspen Beacon Day Support Centre in Belfast, the Minister said: "Mental Health remains one of my top priorities and my aim is to see people with mental health needs living fulfilling lives in their communities.
"That is why it is so encouraging to see that the ethos of this excellent centre is very much about promoting recovery.”
The Minister continued: "We depend on the voluntary sector for the vital role that they play in providing services that support our health and social care system.”
Praising the work carried out by Niamh, the Minister said: "I have been greatly impressed by the staff here at the Aspen Centre, who support many people with mental health problems to maximise their potential and live as independently as possible in their communities."
Niamh is one of the largest regional mental health voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland. It provides residential and day care services as well as other support for people with mental health problems in the community.
There is a network of 14 Beacon Day Support Centres across Northern Ireland, offering support and structured activities to around 1,600 people affected by severe mental health problems. The services provided include educational classes, social activities, and outreach programmes.
Welcoming the Minister to the Aspen Centre, Niamh Chief Executive Peter McBride said: "In light of the current economic challenges, services like these provide a vital lifeline for people who are living with mental health problems. Without these essential services many people would not get the support they require to enable their recovery. Through Niamh’s support, people can live a more fulfilling life and continue to make a meaningful contribution to society."