To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to provide funding for the continuation of the Student Mental Health Service pilot programme undertaken by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 (MHS) recognises the importance of addressing student mental health and wellbeing, both through early intervention and prevention (MHS Actions 1 and 2) and by creating a dedicated resource for student mental health across tertiary education (MHS Action 8), building on the existing pilot project between Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Queen’s University and Ulster University.

The Student Mental Health Service pilot project is due to run until the end of the current academic year, however pending clarity on a future regional model, consideration is being given by the Belfast Trust and the two universities on the scope to extend the pilot for a further year.