Mr Dickson said despite work being carried out on the area during this Assembly mandate, mental health had often been forgotten about.
“Mental health conditions affect around one in four people in our society at some point in their lives. Despite this, mental health remains the poor relation within the health system. A lower share of funding goes on it compared to other areas.
“In the past, this important area of healthcare has often been forgotten. However, we should give mental health needs the same priority as physical health needs. Alliance will work to secure investment for mental health services in the new Assembly term, while also prioritising the stigma often associated with such conditions.
“Through placing a greater priority on assisting those with mental health conditions, not only can we improve the lives of many people but we will assist our public finances, our economy and society as a whole.”