Kieran McCarthy MLA stated: “I helped organise this demonstration to make sure the concerns of the Equal Lives Group are heard at Stormont. They and I are very unhappy with the lack of progress in improving mental health and learning disability services.
“I find it despicable that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are being treated like second-class citizens.
“Why should Northern Ireland settle for second-rate learning disability and mental health services? Far more resources are provided for these services in other parts of the UK, and local people here will not accept these inequalities any longer.
“Our healthcare staff do excellent work in this area but they are not given the support they need from the Stormont Executive. This demonstration is about getting the message across and getting answers and action from Stormont Ministers. It is vital that Ministers hear the Group’s concerns.”
The Health Minister and Education Minister were both been informed of the protest and asked to attend to talk with the group.
ENDS