Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said there is a need to incorporate mental wellbeing into all aspects of everyday life.
The South Belfast MLA was speaking on World Mental Health Day. She said mental health was often “the poor relative” in the health system.
“Mental health conditions affect around one in four people in our society at some point in their lives. Despite this, mental health often receives less attention and less funding than other sections of the health service. We can always do more to improve mental health services for people across the community.
“Today is a reminder of the need to incorporate mental wellbeing into all aspects of everyday life. From encouraging physical activities to tackling social isolation, we can each play our part.
“By ensuring mental health is at the heart of everything we do, not only can we improve the lives of many people directly but we will assist our public finances, our economy and society as a whole.”