Young Americans and local students learn from frontline voices in mental health

Over the past two weeks, we have had the privilege to meet not one, but two outstanding groups of young people and introduce them to some important concepts in mental health, suicide prevention and health inequalities, writes Clear Project Manager Sarah-Jane Goldring.

First up, we hosted a travelling group from Southern Illinois University. We were very fortunate to be supported on the day by several partners and contributors, each offering valuable insight into their work and its impact on the wider community.

Foyle Search & Rescue kindly provided the venue, delivered a full tour of the FSR facility and shared an insight into the vital role they play. We would especially like to thank Dawn, Anthony, Ava and Christina for welcoming and accommodating us.

Jennifer Sharkey, Suicide Liaison Officer for the Western Trust, spoke sensitively about her role in supporting families bereaved by suicide and the importance of postvention.

Maggs Campbell and Laura Curran from ARC brought messages of hope and positivity for the future, highlighting the positive impact of recovery on the wider community.

To explore self-care in a creative and enjoyable way, we took part in a Circus Skills session expertly led by Michael from In Your Space Circus. The session gave us time to be mindful, try something new and have a laugh at ourselves along the way. It was a memorable experience and is highly recommended.

Looking a little closer to home, we were also delighted to be invited to talk to 120 Year 11 students at Lumen Christi as part of their Learning for Life and Work citizenship programme. Our talk focussed on how local charities like ourselves are advocating for a better community both locally, in the Derry & Strabane District Council area, the Western Trust area, and further afield. We talked about health inequalities, and highlighted areas of concern such as diabetes, obesity, emotional and mental health.

Big thanks Ms O’Neill at Lumen Christi, and to Jenna Jamieson, Associate Lecturer in Public Health at SIU, Carbondale for arranging the two opportunities and wishing all of the students continued success in their studies and beyond.