Derry teenager campaigning to bring change to mental health services in Northern Ireland

A Derry teenager is campaigning to see a change to the mental health services in Northern Ireland.

Cian McConnell is a mental health advocate working to transform the future of mental health care.

The 17-year-old raised £8,000 to support suicide prevention in the community for PIPS Suicide Prevention.

However, he wishes to arrange a meeting with Northern Ireland’s  First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, to discuss what needs to be done further to help those that suffer with their mental health in the population.

He said: “I just want to talk and explain my view on how we can further the mental health support in this country.

“Further investment, restructuring, and reimagining of mental health support in Northern Ireland.

“It is still a real problem here, and more needs to be done to combat this problem.

“Since I started my fundraising campaign, I have started writing stories about those who have struggled with their mental health and those who have been let down by the current system regarding mental health in this country.”

Since Cian embarked on his fundraising venture to help raise awareness for mental health in Northern Ireland, he has been recognised by some of the biggest names in this field for these actions.

Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology; Robert Cialdini, the world’s leading expert in persuasion; and Steven C. Hayes, the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), took the time to reach out and offer Cian personal advice, recognised his mission, and Mr. Hayes even invited him to travel with him to the Netherlands for a program he’s involved in.

Cian said: “I got offered a place in this thing, however I am unable to accept the invitation due to the need to pay for it, but I may try and see if I can find an alternative way to go to it.

“I suffered with my mental health for a long time, and I still ensure I keep on top of it through support.”

Cian is determined to ensure people receive proper, science-backed treatment instead of ineffective services, breaking stigmas, reshaping recovery, and creating a global mental health movement that truly makes a difference.