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As from 1 April 2009 all Health Promotion Agency responsibilities have been transferred to the Public Health Agency.
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Strategy context
Promoting mental health strategy and action plan 2003-2008
Protect life - a shared vision: The Northern Ireland suicide prevention strategy and action plan 2006-2011
Background to developments
A number of training objectives are identified in the above strategies that relate to mental health and suicide awareness training in Northern Ireland. In April 2007 the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive audit and evaluation of training provision related to these training objectives.
Consultation process
Consultation has taken place across Northern Ireland with those already involved in the provision of mental health promotion and suicide awareness training. This has included direct contact with a wide range of individuals and groups and a regional consultation seminar that was held in November 2007. Groups that have participated to date include the following:
- health and social care trusts;
- criminal justice sector;
- voluntary organisations;
- community groups;
- support groups for those bereaved by suicide;
- training organisations;
- youth sector;
- education sector;
- private/business sector.
Ongoing consultation will continue across all sectors and comments are welcome at any stage.
Mapping exercise
A mapping exercise has been completed to establish what training is currently being delivered in Northern Ireland addressing mental health promotion and/or suicide awareness. Information from this exercise is currently being collated and a report of the findings will be available by June 2008.
Training needs analysis
A framework is currently being developed to carry out a comprehensive training needs analysis across all sectors. This will help identify any gaps in training provision and priorities for future training developments, including the development of regional training standards and quality assurance mechanisms. The HPA has also commenced a review of the current evidence of effectiveness in mental health promotion and suicide awareness training to inform the overall process.
Collaboration is ongoing between the HPA and the National Office of Suicide Prevention in the south of Ireland regarding an all-island approach to regional and national training developments.
Consultation seminars 2008
A series of consultation seminars will take place in June 2008 and will bring together a wide range of key stakeholders throughout Northern Ireland. The seminars will provide an overview of the findings to date and will provide the opportunity for participants to influence the development of a training strategy for Northern Ireland. We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in these events.
Regional training advisory group
Nominations are currently being invited for a regional training advisory group to help advise and agree priorities regarding strategic developments. Membership will consist of key representatives from all sectors.
For further information about any of these issues, please contact:
Michelle McMaster
Mental Health Promotion Coordinator: Training and Development
Health Promotion Agency
18 Ormeau Avenue
Belfast
BT2 8HS
Telephone: 028 9031 1611
Email:m.mcmaster@hpani.org.uk
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