To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to voluntary sector mental health charities taking referrals from statutory agencies but not receiving any statutory funding, for his assessment of this funding model.

In delivering on Actions 17, 31 and 32 of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-31, the Department intends to undertake a review of the scope, scale and capacity of the Community & Voluntary (C&V) sector during 2024/25. This review will aim to identify and map the current levels of funding (both government and non-government) of the sector, including impact and outcomes being delivered across the range of mental health services provided.

This work will include recommendations on optimum approaches for utilising existing funding and resources to best effect in the delivery of mental health priorities, including how current commissioning and funding arrangements may be strengthened.