Amnesty Cork members petition local election candidates in order to highlight the profound problems with our mental health services. Photo: Courtesy Amnesty Cork

Amnesty Cork members gathered on Saturday the 30th May outside Debenhams on Patrick Street, Cork and asked members of the public to sign a petition which would be copied and sent to each of the local election candidates.

This petition asked the candidates to act on five simple promises:

1. Pass a motion following the election of the new Council calling on the Government to implement its mental health policy, A Vision for Change.
2. Actively promote mental health and include those with experience of mental health difficulties in all local consultations and community development projects.
3. Ensure that mental health equality training is provided for local authority personnel, particularly those involved in strategic planning, social inclusion, access and service provision.
4. Map local service need and delivery of employment schemes for people with experience of mental health difficulties.
5. Introduce a protocol between the local authority and the HSE to ensure the housing rights of individuals with experience of mental health difficulties are met.

With the local elections just around the corner now is the time for all candidates to show a strong commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of all individuals in our community, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties.

For further information please contact the group at Amnesty.Cork@gmail.com or the group coordinator on 087 8128236.