Samaritans in Northern Ireland held a mental health seminar on 22 February at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. We shared findings from our impact report and our strategic priorities.
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 22 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.
Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director Samaritans Ireland, opened the event and welcomed and guests. Sarah Travers, BBC NI journalist, hosted a panel and led the discussion, as we called for openness on the ‘Progress and Challenges of Mental Health in Northern Ireland’.
The panel comprised:
- 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 future priorities.
Watch highlights from the Mental Health Seminar
Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland, Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director Samaritans Ireland and Julie Aiken Regional Manager Northern Ireland
Sarah Travers, BBC NI journalist and Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland