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Wise Up! Fund Children and Young People’s Mental Health Support
Sign our petition calling for urgent action to support children and young people’s mental health in Northern Ireland.
Why We’re Taking Action
Children and young people in Northern Ireland are facing growing mental health challenges. Too many are struggling to access the support they need, when they need it most. MindWise is proactively calling for meaningful investment in children and young people’s mental health support so that early help, prevention, and timely intervention become the norm, not the exception.
Why This Matters Now
In the next Assembly election, people across Northern Ireland will elect representatives who will shape future priorities. As decision‑makers seek public support, we want children and young people’s mental health to be treated as a priority, because mental health support in early life shapes outcomes for a lifetime.
"Working in health care, I’m seeing mental health issues in children as young as eight. These services must be supported."
The Reality for Children and Young People
The situation is not sustainable, and it must change if we want healthy futures for our children and young people.
- Young people in Northern Ireland are experiencing significant and complex mental health challenges.
- Less than 8% of the overall mental health budget is currently allocated to children and young people’s services.
- This has resulted in limited access, long waits, and unmet need.
- The voluntary and community sector is carrying a heavy and unsustainable burden.
What We Are Calling For
We are urging those shaping policy and funding decisions to take immediate action by:
- Increasing Funding- Deliver a substantial increase in funding for children and young people’s mental health services.
- Raising Awareness- Use leadership and influence to highlight the current funding gap and protect mental health support for children and young people.
- Delivering the Mental Health Strategy- Secure the funding needed for the full implementation of the Mental Health Strategy, which currently cannot be completed due to insufficient investment.
"Prevention now means fewer adults struggling later."
How You Can Help
By signing the Wise Up! petition, you are helping to:
- Strengthen the call for urgent investment
- Amplify the voices of families, professionals, and communities
- Show that children and young people’s mental health matters
Add your voice and help us call for action.
Sign the Wise Up! Petition
“Our children and young people are our future. We have a responsibility to care for them.”
