13 September 2013
Seminar Focusses Attention On Metal Health Issues and the Law
In the photo from left to right, Mark Scott (Directorate of Legal Services, Michael Robinson, President of the Law Society, David Ford MLA, Justice Minister, David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental health and District Judge Gilpin
Issues surrounding disability, mental health issues and the law were the focus of a unique seminar taking place in Belfast today organised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and supported by Action Mental Health.
The seminar is the third instalment of seminars entitled ‘Diversity and the Law’ which has been launched by the Society to examine the impact of the law on issues such as disability in Northern Ireland.
Todays’ seminar on disability and mental health issues provided a platform to discuss the issues, to inform audiences unfamiliar with the main issues and to share best practices.
Representatives from various interest groups, Government agencies and members of the legal profession attended the seminar with a view to identifying issues of concern and sharing of best practice amongst organisations.
Amongst attendees was the Minister for Justice, David Ford MLA.
Commenting on the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Michael Robinson said:
“The Society has been working over the last number of months to develop the new Diversity series which we believe will provide discussion and debate on the impact of the law and issues such as mental health and disability.
It is timely that these seminars are taking place in light of the on-going impact of the economic recession, cuts to Government budgets, benefits and services and the implications for the law and access to justice in Northern Ireland”.
David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health said:
“Mental Health issues and disability affect many people within our community and we welcomes the Society’s initiative which gives a platform to support organisations and representative to share best practices and information”.
The series of seminars are scheduled to last until November 2013 with an examination of the Section 75 classifications including age and race.
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