This workshop will bring together people from all over Ireland to help create an action plan for the development of a National Mental Health Data Registry. This registry would bring together important information about people accessing mental health services. Better data would help us understand how mental health services are working, where the gaps are, and how care can improve. Right now, data is fragmented – some services still use paper records, and information isn’t consistently shared. This makes it hard to plan fair, effective care, especially for marginalised groups like people experiencing homelessness and ethnic minorities. This workshop will offer a space for open, respectful dialogue.
Participants will be invited to share ideas and experiences and work together to co-create a step-by-step roadmap for building a complete and inclusive mental health registry. This rights-based registry will be grounded in lived experience and reflect the diversity of ages, backgrounds, and communities across Ireland. The workshop will include talks, group discussions, and interactive activities.
The primary aim of this event is to agree on shared values, priorities, and the first steps required to build an inclusive mental health data system. People with mental health difficulties will play a central role, alongside mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and statutory services.
This workshop is a vital step toward improving mental health care by strengthening the quality, consistency, and use of data. Better data enables more equitable, responsive, and inclusive services, ensuring that support reaches everyone who needs it. It also aligns with national health priorities, including those set out in Sláintecare. The workshop will result in a co-designed roadmap and summary report, which will be shared online and with key decision-makers. To support wider engagement, we will also produce accessible animated videos and written materials for the general public and professionals.
