The CAST initiative aims to offer improved assistance to individuals in crisis situations and aim to decrease repeated emergency responses.
On October 7, 2024, during Limerick Mental Health Week, an effort was unveiled to tackle mental health dilemmas. The ‘CAST’ project by An Garda Síochána and HSE Mid-West Mental Health Services strives to support those in need of help.
The arrival of CAST coincides with a period where emergencies related to mental health are increasing and putting the pressure on emergency services. The gardaí are frequently the initial point of contact for those dealing with mental health issues.
Recent data indicates an increase in the need for mental health assistance in Ireland, particularly as a result of the recent challenges created by the pandemic and recent economic struggles.
There is also a heightened recognition of mental health issues within society.
This initiative aims to offer improved assistance to individuals in crisis situations and aim to decrease repeated emergency responses.
During the event launch at Limerick 2030’s Gardens International, Henry Street, Limerick city, Eileen Foster from the Southern Region stressed the significance of this partnership. “We are delighted to partner with the HSE, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health on the CAST Pilot Initiative.
“This is an important pilot project that will aim to alleviate harm for persons facing trauma or mental health crises and support families and our communities in general,” she said. “Every day, gardaí encounter many vulnerable persons facing extremely challenging circumstances”.
“Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid-West, said, “Person-centred service delivery at the point of least complexity is a core principle of Sláintecare and the CAST model is in keeping with this.
“The approach of the CAST team will also be trauma-informed, recognising that a significant proportion of our service users have had trauma in their lives and that what they have endured is often a root cause of their presentation”.
Ireland’s health policy document ‘Sharing the Vision’, as well as the Final Report of the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, led to the creation of The CAST pilot program.
Both reports highlighted the importance of taking an individual approach to wellbeing issues – especially for those who may be involved in legal issues. The initiative serves as a guide for filling the gaps in these services.
The CAST pilot program functions using two approaches, a crisis response service and a Community Support Forum.
During crisis response situations, gardaí and healthcare professionals collaborate to address prioritised 999 calls with the goal of stabilising the affected individual and providing care.
The Community Support Forum involves multiple agencies that meet regularly to create comprehensive support strategies for those who need them.
Given the growing recognition of mental health in Ireland, the CAST program aims to lower emergency room admissions and improve the handling of individuals in crisis.
It also aims to enhance the skills of gardaí in dealing with mental health situations, which in turn can reduce detentions and encourage rehabilitation.
The pilot program will undergo assessment with the University of Limerick to shape implementation strategies, based on the results obtained from this evaluation process.
CAST has the potential to provide a more empathetic and impactful approach, to addressing Ireland’s escalating mental health issues.