Atlantic Futures recently attended the launch of Ireland’s new national Digital Mental Health Strategy, hosted by the Health Service Executive (HSE), marking an important milestone in the development of mental health services across the country.
The Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026–2030 was unveiled by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD during a Digital Mental Health Conference organised by the HSE in partnership with the University of Limerick. The strategy outlines a national framework for using digital technologies to improve access to mental health information, supports and services, with the aim of creating a more accessible, responsive and inclusive system of care.
Representing Atlantic Futures at the event was Research Stream 4 (RS4) lead, Professor Maurice Mulvenna, who presented along with policymakers, clinicians, researchers and representatives from community organisations working across the mental health sector, highlighting the work of the project in informing policy development in the area of digital mental health supports for young, marginalised people.
Professor Mulvenna is pictured at the event alongside Sinead Keane, CEO of SpunOut and Minister Butler, reflecting the collaborative nature of the conference and the wide range of stakeholders involved in shaping the future of digital mental health support in Ireland.
The role of digital technologies in mental health services
Digital technologies are increasingly playing a role in how people access mental health support. Online resources, virtual consultations and digital therapeutic tools are already expanding how services are delivered and accessed. The new strategy seeks to build on these developments by embedding digital solutions more firmly within Ireland’s mental health infrastructure.
For researchers working in areas such as digital innovation and societal impact, these developments are particularly relevant.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Mulvenna noted the importance of aligning research with developments taking place within health services.
"Digital technologies offer opportunities to support access to mental health services, particularly for younger people and those living in rural communities. Events like this are valuable because they bring together policymakers, service providers and researchers to discuss how these technologies can be implemented in ways that do genuinely benefit service users, especially marginalised young people."
Connecting research with practice
Research Stream 4 within Atlantic Futures explores how digital innovation and emerging technologies can help address social and economic challenges across the Atlantic region. Mental health is one area where technological innovation has the potential to create meaningful improvements in accessibility and service delivery for young, marginalised people..
Professor Mulvenna went on to highlight the importance of engagement between researchers and organisations delivering frontline services.
"Hearing directly from young people, organisations such as SpunOut and from those involved in designing and delivering services, helps ensure that research remains grounded in real-world challenges, These conversations are essential if we want digital solutions that are both practical and impactful."
Collaboration across sectors
The development of the Digital Mental Health Strategy involved consultation with service users, clinicians, researchers and community organisations. This collaborative approach reflects a growing recognition that improving mental health outcomes requires cooperation across multiple sectors. You can read the full document here.
For Atlantic Futures, participation in events such as the HSE Digital Mental Health Conference provides an opportunity to connect academic research with policy discussions and service innovation.
Atlantic Futures look forward to continuing to engage with partners across the sector to ensure that emerging technologies contribute to more accessible and effective mental health supports for communities across Ireland.