Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon welcomed Minister with responsibility for Mental Health Jim Daly to Kildare this week. The Minister visited HOPE D in Newbridge and met Committee members who briefed the Minister on the role they play in the greater Newbridge area.
“In such a busy week, I was delighted that Minister Jim Daly was still able to keep his commitment to visit Kildare. The Minister was very impressed by the model adopted in HOPE D, and the counselling services they provide as a voluntary charity. The meeting allowed discussions to take place as to how HOPE D can engage better with the HSE with a view to them accessing state supports in time.
Speaking after the meeting Deputy Heydon said, “It was great for my Fine Gael colleague Minister Daly to meet with and understand the way HOPE D operate and the excellent supports that they offer Kildare people. I highlighted to him the need to get services like HOPE D supported by the HSE, particularly when you consider the amount of referrals they receive from local GP’s.
“HOPE D’s more holistic approach to mental health is crucial to avoid an over dependence on anti depressants and medication as the only solution to depression and anxiety. I will continue to raise the need for services like HOPE D to be better supported in the great work that they do