Ms Amy Carey:

It is through our justice work that we work with many young people in the 18-to-24 age group. A large part of the mental health challenge is the lack of dual diagnoses. No one wants to touch them and they do not fit into any service. There is a significant gap.

Another issue is that of young people experiencing suicidal thoughts or who are at risk of suicide. Recently, one of our youth workers went with a young person who had been referred by a GP to an accident and emergency department. Within two hours, that young person was sent home despite being actively at risk of suicide. We were left with the responsibility for this very vulnerable person. That he was over 18 years of age was another issue. An accident and emergency department is not a suitable response for someone who is at risk of suicide. We have been trying to get therapeutic support for this young person for years but have not been able to do so for many reasons. If we had someone in-house who could do that, he would engage, but he will not engage with anyone. He has been let down by every other service his entire life and will not go to other spaces. If there was an in-house space, it would be helpful.

Regarding minorities, it relates to what we said about schools. Does Ms Lowry wish to comment?