From Department of Health
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The Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD, today announced the appointment of Mr John Saunders as independent chair of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC), which will be responsible for driving and overseeing the implementation and roll out of Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone. The selection of the membership of the NIMC is currently underway and members will be appointed before the end of November.
Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020-2030 has a strong focus on outcomes achieved for people using mental health services. The policy will build on the achievements of A Vision for Change, with a focus on cross-sectoral and inter-departmental commitments to improve the mental health outcomes of Ireland’s population, across each person’s lifecycle. The policy seeks to enhance services across a continuum of supports, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist services, aiming to place the needs of the individual at the centre of service delivery. The appointment of a Chair to lead the NIMC is an important step in meeting these objectives.
Minister Butler said:
"The appointment of an independent chair for the NIMC is key to the success of the NIMC and the successful implementation of Sharing the Vision. Mr Saunders is very well regarded in the voluntary and community sector, with a wide breadth of knowledge in the area of mental health, and his links with the Mental Health Commission will ensure that the NIMC priorities are aligned with government policy and service improvements will benefit those most closely affected by mental health issues."
Mr John Saunders said:
"I am privileged to accept this very important appointment. Sharing the Vision is a progressive policy document that focuses on enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of the nation by providing access to mental health supports when and where they are needed. In addition, the policy provides a roadmap to further develop services for those with complex mental health needs. While I have no doubt that this role represents a major challenge, I am committed to work with the NIMC committee members and sub-committees, HSE and government departments to ensure that Sharing the Vison recommendations are implemented in an efficient and timely manner. I would like to thank Minister Butler for this appointment and look forward to working with her and the NIMC."
ENDS
John Saunders is the Chief Executive of Shine, Supporting People Affected by Mental Ill Health, a national voluntary organisation supporting individuals and family members.
He was a member of the Expert Group established in 2003, to review and update mental health service policy resulting in A Vision for Change. He was also a member of the NESF Working group on Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
He is a former member of the Board of Directors of EUFAMI (A European organisation of Voluntary mental health associations representing families) and Mental Health Reform.
In June 2009 he was appointed as Chair of the 2nd Independent Monitoring Group to oversee and report on the implementation of Vision of Change policy.
John is presently a Board member of the Citizens Information Board and is chair of the Mental Health Commission. John has qualifications in nursing and a degree in Economics and Public Administration.