Isle of Man mental health services 'need investment'

Mental health services in the Isle of Man need more investment, according to the social care minister.

Martyn Quayle said mental health problems affected about a quarter of the island's population.

Statistics discussed in Tynwald show that, on average, about 50 people are sectioned every year on the island.

Mr Quayle said: "It is pertinent to recognise that the United Kingdom despite all the cuts have increased the budget for mental health."

The new mental health strategy in England promises an extra £400m for therapies, such as counselling.

The dilemma now faced by the Isle of Man government is how to respond to this growing need while continuing to make considerable savings.

Mr Quayle continued: "We wouldn't be able to employ more staff at this stage, bearing in mind the nature of the financial challenges we face, so any staff increase in this particular area would have to come from a decrease in staffing in another area.

"This is not going to be done overnight."