The disabled represent a major portion of the Island’s recipients of financial aid — and many of those are persons suffering from mental illness.

A Mental Health Foundation forum heard there are 2,665 persons receiving financial assistance at present.

The figure does not include those receiving child day care allowance. Out of those recipients, 779 clients are classed as disabled — 280 of whom have mental challenges, ranging from severe conditions such as schizophrenia to bipolar disorder or depression.

Around five to eight people with mental health problems come to the Department of Financial Assistance each month to apply for government help.