§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the Mental Health Strategy Action Plan; [183026]
(2) if he will make a statement on progress towards reducing the proportion of individuals susceptible to psychiatric disorders; [183017]
§ Angela SmithThe Promoting Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan was issued in January 2003. An Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the Strategy. A range of preventative measures are being taken under the strategy including raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues, promoting coping skills, suicide awareness and outreach work with young people in areas of need. Action towards achieving the target to reduce the proportion of people with a potential psychiatric disorder is ongoing and progress will be measured through Health and Well-being Surveys.