EIP survey report 2024-Press Release

Breaking Barriers: New Survey Highlights the Benefits and Need for Improved Psychosis Support and Stigma Reduction in Ireland

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May 7th, 2025. A new national survey, conducted by Shine, Mental Health Reform, and the HSE National Clinical Programme for Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP), has revealed significant disparities in mental health support and the need for expanded services, increased funding, and stigma reduction.

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The Psychosis Survey 2024 gathered responses from 378 individuals, including people with lived experience of psychosis and their supporters. The findings highlight significant gaps in access to services, with only 14.4% of general mental health service users reporting easy access to support, compared to 42.9% of those in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services.

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"These findings reinforce the crucial role of Early Intervention services in transforming lives," said Dr. Karen O'Connor, National Clinical Lead for EIP. "Expanding access to EIP services nationwide will not only improve recovery outcomes but also alleviate pressure on overstretched general mental health services. Timely, specialist intervention can be life-changing. These findings, highlight the positive impact associated with government investment in EIP."

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The survey also exposes the deep impact of stigma and discrimination. Over 70% of respondents found media portrayals of psychosis to be inaccurate, while 54% reported experiencing workplace stigma. Participants highlighted the need for public education campaigns and positive representation of recovery stories.

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Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler said: “These survey findings demonstrate Early Intervention in Psychosis programmes work. It is encouraging to see significantly better experiences reported by people who received specialised care.

My department allocated funding in Budget 2025 to set up two new early intervention teams in Dublin and Limerick. A further 24 roles are being funded across the two new teams at a cost of €2.8 million. It brings the number of early intervention teams operating in Ireland to seven. I will continue to prioritise investment in the coming years to make sure that people presenting with psychosis for the first time get access to appropriate support.”
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Nicola Byrne, CEO of Shine, stated: "Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help. We must challenge misconceptions and foster a society where individuals experiencing psychosis are met with understanding and support rather than fear and exclusion. Shine will continue to advocate for systemic change to improve services and public awareness."

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Mental Health Reform, Interim CEO Philip Watt highlighted that: "The year on year data provided by the Psychosis Survey reinforces the need to strengthen community-based organisations that offer critical support to individuals and families. The Programme for Government commits to support the voluntary and community sector working in mental health. This commitment must be backed up with funding through Budget 2026."

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Key recommendations from the report include:

Expanding EIP services to provide equitable access across Ireland.
‍Increasing funding and staffing in both statutory and community mental health services.‍
Developing crisis support options outside of emergency departments.
Strengthening community-based organisations that offer critical support to individuals and families.

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This research identifies the need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to act on these findings and work towards a mental health system that is accessible, compassionate, and free from stigma.

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Click here to read the survey report: Early Intervention in Psychosis Report 2024

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About Shine
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Shine is the national organisation dedicated to campaigning for the rights and empowerment of people affected by mental illness. Shine supports individuals

and groups to enhance their recovery, challenge negative attitudes and behaviours and deliver a variety of programmes and services to support individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges and their relatives and supporters.

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Shine was the first national mental health organisation specifically founded to support all family members.

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As well as our frontline services, we deliver a national stigma reduction programme through our Green Ribbon Campaign, our Workplace Programme and our Media Programme. For more information on Shine’s programmes and services, go to: https://shine.ie

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About Mental Health Reform

Mental Health Reform is Ireland’s leading national coalition on mental health. With over 80 member organisations and thousands of supporters, we are the unifying

voice campaigning for progressive reform of mental health services and supports in Ireland.

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Visit www.mentalhealthreform.ie for more details.

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For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:

Ellen Lynch

Shine Head of Communications & Engagement

Elynch@shine.ie

+353861370015

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Stephen Sheil

Interim Communications & Engagement Manager