1 in 5 experience mental health issues

Over 100 young people attended the a Cafe Symposium in Da Vincis Hotel which highlighted an initiative where Clarendon Beacon Centre worked in conjunction with Derry City Council to raise awareness among younger people of the community about organisations which offer local support throughout the City.

Alison Foley, Clarendon Beacon Centre said: “Mental Health directly affects 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland and in most cases research has shown that support offered at an early stage may alleviate many of the initial symptoms felt which if not treated may lead to more serious enduring mental health issues.

“The event today was aimed at targeting the young people in society, particular within age group of 13-20 who may be facing issues of stress from school, career choices, health, self expression or family issues and to promote to them that there is a local network of support out there and encourage them to benefit of these services.

“One of the biggest issues is the negative image that currently exists with mental health and we are working our way through tackling this working closely with our impressionable youth and voluntary leaders who are doing such good work already in community.”

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “This is an extremely worthwhile cause as it involves schools, youth representatives and groups getting together in an informal setting to discuss the issues surrounding mental health.

“It aims to highlight the support available so that these issues can be tackled in order that people who are experiencing mental health problems are not plagued with the stigma attached to seeking help to support their mental well being.

“The young people in this City are the future and we must demolish the barriers to give them as many tools as possible to support them when and if these issues arrive a young age.”

For more information on the network of support services available in Northern Ireland contact (028) 9032 8474 or log on to www.beaconwellbeing.org.