This is our chance to have a service that is fit for purpose for everybody across our country
Claire Curran, Head of Services for Survivors of Suicide Support Group
Samaritans in Northern Ireland held a mental health seminar on 22nd February at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. During the seminar we shared findings from our impact report as well as our strategic priorities for 2022 to 2027. The event was opened and guests welcomed by Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director Samaritans Ireland. Sarah Travers, BBC NI journalist, hosted a panel led discussion as we called for openness on the ‘Progress and Challenges of Mental Health in Northern Ireland’. The panel comprised of
- Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland
- Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland
- Claire Curran, Head of Services for Survivors of Suicide Support Group
- Professor Gerry Lynch, Consultant Psychiatrist, and ex chair of RCPsych Northern Ireland
Guests from partner agencies, health professionals and MLAs were invited to ask the panel questions about the mental health challenges faced in Northern Ireland and priorities for the future.
Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland, Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director Samaritans Ireland and Julie Aiken Regional Manager Northern Ireland
My key message was a message of hope and gratitude to Samaritans for all the work they do and the fact that they are there 24/7 and they're keeping hope alive
Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland
From left to right: Professor Sir Michael McBride, Dr Julie Aiken (Regional Manager - Northern Ireland), Professor Gerry Lynch and Mark Kennedy (Assistant Director Samaritans ROI)
Sarah Travers, BBC NI journalist and Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland
from left to right: Professor Gerry Lynch, Consultant Psychiatrist, and ex chair of RCPsych Northern Ireland, Claire Curran, Head of Services for Survivors of Suicide Support Group, Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland and Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.