Member's statement: Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
Member's statement by Mr Robbie Butler on .
- MLA
- Mr Robbie Butler
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 10 June 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4494750
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Today, we recognise Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. We are reminded of the crucial importance of providing a strong foundation for mental well-being from the earliest stages of life. I thank Stronger from the Start Alliance, a coalition of around 60 voluntary sector organisations, which highlights the importance of infant mental health. The mental health of expectant mothers, newborns and young children is not just a priority but a necessity. Ensuring that they receive the best start in life is fundamental, but our commitment must extend far beyond those early years. As we know, mental health is a lifelong journey. It requires continuous support at all stages of development, particularly during the critical transition points in life, such as entry to school, adolescence, the start of a career and ageing. Those moments of change can be challenging and stressful, making it essential that support systems are in place to help individuals navigate the transitions smoothly. Too many of our young people, girls and boys, struggle with their mental health, and, tragically, some lose hope along the way. That should be a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support. It is our role as legislators and leaders to ensure that future generations are provided with hope and opportunity in abundance. In our pursuit of transforming mental health, we must also confront and address the root causes of mental health disparity. Tackling inequalities, poverty and discrimination must be ingrained in our collective efforts. Those issues are not just peripheral concerns but are central to the well-being of all our communities and should be embedded in our DNA. As we move forward, let us commit to a vision where mental health support is comprehensive, inclusive and accessible at every stage of life. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive from infancy right through to old age. Together, we can create a society where mental health is prioritised and every individual is given the chance to lead a fulfilling and mentally healthy life. I encourage all Members to support Infant Mental Health Awareness Week.
350 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.03 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.37 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.75 |
| Sexism, misogyny, ageism and other equality groups | 0.18 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.06 |
| Gender, sexuality, abortion and related social issues | 0.01 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 10:37 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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