Further to the answer to question S2W-8489 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 June 2004, what action is being taken within the national programme for…

The Mental Health Division, which includes the work of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being, has identified sensory and communication loss as an area which requires attention within mental health promotion, prevention and mental health services. To help identify current needs and map current support services, resources and future requirements, a Sensory Loss Development Group, bringing together stakeholders from various relevant bodies, has been established and has now met on two occasions. The group is planning to commission work on an up to date identification and analysis of needs and onmapping of services and supports and likely future requirements.
The work on needs analysis and mapping will take into account a broad spectrum of needs. The group will be asked to consider the inclusion of receptive and/or expressive aphasia, dyspraxia, dysarthria, semantic-pragmatic disorder and dysfluency. Work is expected to commence on the needs assessment and mapping exercise later this year, and is expected to continue to March 2006.