Bermuda’s mental health legislation is being shored up under the recognition that one person in four is statistically likely to confront a mental health challenge.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, told the House of Assembly that attention to mental health was being incorporated into the island’s primary care and public health strategies.

She added: “Our goal is to act early, prevent crises and ensure support is available when people need it most.”

Legislators heard that the implementation of a Youth Mental Health Plan was being advanced in partnership with Bermuda College, and with “a dynamic group of young leaders” helping to change the environment around discussing the issue.

Ms Wilson said: “Research from the Pan American Health Organisation and other groups shows a clear rise in stress, anxiety and substance use.”

MPs were told that the Mental Health Act of 1968 would be updated, with stronger policies that “increase access to care and protect individual rights”.

Ms Wilson said a report on the Acute Adult Mental Health Integrated Care Pathway had been published last year, giving 20 key recommendations now under review by a Mental Health Programmes Co-ordinator.

She added that a National Mental Health Awareness Campaign had been launched in May.

“We thank our partners, such as Bermuda College, Bermuda Hospitals Board, Family Centre, Solstice and many others for joining us in this shared mission,” Ms Wilson said.

“Our message is clear: there is no health without mental health.”

In response to questions from Robin Tucker, the Shadow Minister of Health, Ms Wilson said the review would be similar to a 2017 analysis when widespread consultation took place.

She added: “It will be largely modelled after the UK legislation and will provide for more human rights issues as it relates to persons challenged with mental health.”

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• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media