The 2024 recipient of the Country Leadership Award for Ireland is Derek Chambers.

During the early days of the Covid pandemic, Derek saw the potential of digital mental health not as a temporary solution but as a lasting pathway to equitable and accessible care for all. With remarkable foresight, he understood how to position resources effectively to meet the diverse needs of the population.

Derek has taken courageous steps, forging essential partnerships across community, academic, and private sectors. By breaking down traditional care group barriers and investing in various areas, from youth services to specialised digital mental health programmes, he has demonstrated that digital mental health in Ireland is not just a concept but a living example of integrated care.

Under his stewardship, Ireland has witnessed a significant evolution. An innovative pyramid of digital mental health supports has emerged, offering everything from enhanced digital content and self-help resources to online counselling and crisis response services. These services, accessible anytime via mobile phones, represent a significant leap forward in making mental health support available to the entire population.

The impact of Derek’s work is profound. Ireland’s national mental health policy has now prioritised digital mental health, evidenced by the establishment of a Digital Mental Health Specialist Group under the Sharing the Vision policy. This initiative aligns with a broader national effort to integrate mental health promotion and digital solutions.

What makes Derek truly deserving of this award is his deep passion for population mental health, his commitment to using technology to enhance public health models, and his relentless drive to scale services effectively. These qualities are crucial for the future of digital mental health leadership, especially in a sector where passionate advocates are essential for continued growth and expansion.

Congratulations Derek!