The Ten is Too Young Coalition welcomes the tabling of an amendment to the Justice Bill that would raise NI’s age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 16, without exception. This is a chance to make our justice system fairer, safer and more effective - childrenslawcentre.org.uk/ten-is-too-y...

My most recent briefing paper to Health Committee (10/3) is available now. Topics include: MH Strategy, crisis services, reset plan, children & young people, new data on benevolent childhood experiences & hope, & neurodiversity. www.mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/publications...

Thursday’s Executive group on mental health & suicide prevention. I highlighted the need to fund the C&V sector part of the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, trends in suicides, the importance of a strong wellbeing subject in the new Curriculum & the social determinants of poor mental health.

Róisín Ingle: The day before the scan results, I remember I have cancer

Statement-Dept Education’s proposed changes to exams in NI (removal of AS levels, fewer assessments) may disadvantage ppl with poor mental health & embed existing inequalities as a reflection of performance under stress, the results may undermine fairness & benefits ppl frm advantaged backgrounds🔽

Delighted to participate in today’s Farm Safety & Wellbeing conference. Here’s Minister @AndrewMuirNI giving the keynote speech on the importance of farm safety & mental health awareness 🐷🐐🚜👩🏼‍🌾🌾🧠

Our report for @FactCheckNI It is difficult to compare regions, but recent figures show that the %s are probably similar. However there is evidence showing that in NI those with mental ill health have more severe conditions than in the other regions. factcheckni.org/wp-content/u...

Does NI gave the highest prevalence of mental ill health? My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.

Read our full analysis here: factcheckni.org/articles/men...

However, based on the research provided to us by the Mental Health Champion’s Office – and a similar statement of fact made by DoH – it is crucial to note that there is evidence to support that the levels of mental ill health in NI are worse than in other parts of the UK.

We’ve just published our first paper with @psyarxivbot.bsky.social Our qualitative (IPA) paper explores the complex intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and suicidality among transgender and gender-diverse young people in Northern Ireland. Read it here: doi.org/10.31234/osf...

My blog⬇️ The trauma of the past continues to be felt. 6.1% of people in NI have PTSD/CPTSD, vs 5.1% in 2005. 17.6% have 4+ Adverse Childhood Experiences, 7.2% in 2005. Around 30% report that the conflict impacts their mental health. What is Govt doing? www.pivotalppf.org/our-work/piv...

The impact of Social Security cuts will be worse in NI. We have a significant history of trauma & high rts of PTSD (6.1% now, compared with 5.1% in 2005) (4.4% in England) We spend a lower % of health budget on Mental Health than other UK regions - 5.7% in NI vs 14.1% in Eng

🧵 1/ I’m concerned that, if implemented in NI, the welfare cuts announced today would be utterly devastating for those with mental illness, & plunge many into suicidal distress. Whilst suicide is complex, there is strong evidence of the link between financial pressure & suicide

As I try to come to terms with the immense loss of my beloved sister, Linda, I am doing the 26 mile mighty hike for Macmillan. Macmillan were a vital source of support for Linda, her family, & me, through the most horrendous time. Please consider donating ❤️‍🩹 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...

🧵on the calls for a specialist mental health service for those with autism. Autism is not considered to be a mental illness, it’s a neurodivergent condition/ neurotype. However, autistic people have a higher risk of mental illness. 1/

Thinking about all those people who are struggling with an #EatingDisorder at this time of year. Remember, recovery is possible. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

📢 The draft budget for 25/26, & Dept Health 3yr plan are now available. So where we are with funding for mental health? It's still somewhat unclear! The Minister announced £17m additional funding for greater integration of the C&V Sector & to improve critical services BUT🧵

1/ 1st results from the 23/24 Health Survey are out today. 🧵 46% of the population now report a physical or mental condition/ illness. It's been between 40-43% since 2014-15. 34% have a limiting long term condition (29-31% since 14/15). Graphs with trends ⬇️⬇️

Thinking tonight about all those people who, for whatever reason, are absolutely dreading Christmas. It can be a really sad & triggering time for so many. Take it a day at a time. You’re not alone x

Literally rockin around the Christmas tree 🎄 💖 #LateLateToyShow

🔊UPDATE ON RCRP 1/ Pleased to report that since I wrote to the Health & Justice Committees about my concerns about Right Care Right Person I've had v-helpful (& reassuring) meetings with PSNI, & the leads in Dept Health & Dept Justice. ⬇️

📢A reminder of where we are in terms of funding NI's Mental Health Strategy. In 23/24 £5.1m of the necessary £24.38m was allocated. The allocation in 24/25 is similar. In 25/26 we need £61.72m. I'm concerned that the money available will be £5.1ml. www.irishnews.com/news/norther...

“The importance of infant attachment, and its biological basis, should be taught in schools. There’s a direct line between the parents’ and child’s mental health.” — @profsiobhanon.bsky.social ✍🏻 @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social

1/ Some observations on the NI suicide numbers in the Registrar General's report, which was reported on yesterday. As always, we remember that these numbers represent real lives & preventable suffering. It is important that the facts are reported.

‘Resilience interventions do work’ – why coping strategies should be a staple of education

I would instinctively be against this - there’s always a blurred boundary with suicide. Our goal must be to create lives worth living. Also, as Michaela says, real choice is not possible because of discrimination & inadequate support. Huge moral issues with how this has been implemented elsewhere.

A great project- compassionate telephone descalation is great, where it's possible. We also need longer term data on whether people who are suicidal get effective suicide prevention treatments. & the outcomes of those referred to Statutory and C&V Sector services. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Core Grants scheme for C&V sector groups⬇️ They do need secure funding & integration into the Regional MH Service. Nonetheless, change is happening, & I’m heartened by recent examples of new ways of working to ensure that people get great mental health care. www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-...

V-grateful to Marie Curie NI for their schools bereavement programme.💛 Providing school-based bereavement support, highlighting the need for grief education, & securing a compassionate future for NI schools. #CompassionateSchoolsNI www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/schoo...

All suggestions very welcome - haven’t worked out yet how if there’s an automatic joining feature - but let us know!

Some tips for living in our broken / messy world…

TIP 1: FEEL SAFE. Frances @francesmeh.reviews made a list of all the safety features of BlueSky here bsky.app/profile/fran...

Dr Claire Campbell explains Social Identity Complexity at today’s #PEACEPLUS @OURGenCYP1 launch We are *wired* for group membership Feeling that we *belong* has a physiological effect More groups makes us more tolerant, less prejudiced & better able to cope with stress @SEUPB

V-proud to lead team @UlsterUni #PEACEPLUS @OURGenCYP1 We’ll be embedding trauma informed practice & social identity complexity interventions, in mental health & resilience programmes for 33,000 young people, & examining the impact on peace building outcomes. @SEUPB

I wrote to the Health & Justice Committees regarding the PSNI's Right Care Right Person policy. It should be implemented alongside the Regional Crisis Intervention Service (announced Aug 21 - not yet delivered). Funding is essential⬇️ mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/publications...