Unpredictability of mental health problems leaves parents and carers needing employment flexibility at times of crisis
Latest statistics show increasing numbers of children being referred to Mental Health specialists
May 14th: Unite Equality Officer, Taryn Trainor, called on employers to adopt specific provisions for employees who had caring responsibilities for someone with mental health illness.
“A parent, guardian or carer for someone, especially a child, with mental health illness can be faced with acute periods of stress or pressure as a result of the unpredictable demands made as a result of the condition. It is vital that employers ensure that their policies make special provision for such circumstances and offer the flexibility that the worker needs at such times.
“This is an increasingly prevalent situation. Today statistics released for England show a spike of at least one third in the numbers of children aged eleven and less who are being referred to mental health support services in the last five years. The situation in Northern Ireland is known to be the same – except the impact of austerity cuts on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) means that children referred for support are often ‘bounced back’ or face extended delays in receiving treatment or intervention. Continue reading
One in five Northern Ireland workers suffer some form of mental health problem – 25% more than in England
