A video developed by young people and aimed at informing and educating parents and carers on suicide prevention was celebrated today as part of an initiative to mark Children's Mental Health Week.
The event, hosted by St Patrick’s Academy in Lisburn in partnership with the Education Authority heard from the young people involved in the video, discussing the importance of understanding the challenges young people face and in particular the real threat of suicide. The event welcomed guest speaker Carl Frampton who commended the young people involved and encouraged open dialogue with parents, carers and peers alike.
The development of the video was supported by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing For All Programme with Choice Housing and Ark Housing funding the development of the powerful video in their role as a key contributor to the Housing for All Programme.
The video formed part of the ‘Listen Up’ Campaign, which was initially launched on World Mental Health Day last year. The video was so well received the Education Authority held a special event as part of Childrens Mental Health Week, and confirmed that the video will be incorporated into the educational curriculum across Northern Ireland.
Discussing their support for this important initiative, Carol Ervine, Director of Tenant and Client Services at Choice Group said,
“Choice Housing plays a key role in the delivery of the Department for Communities and Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing for All Programme, which aims to support diverse and inclusive communities.
“Through engagement with schools in Lisburn it was clear young people needed a platform to talk openly about their mental health. Alongside Ark Housing, we partnered with ALPS (All Lives are Precious) who provided the expertise to support our young people in what is a sensitive and sometimes difficult topic to talk about.
“The video's ability to connect with young people and their families, while also providing practical guidance and support, makes it a powerful tool in the fight against suicide.”
Partnering with All Lives are Precious (ALPS), a leading organisation in suicide prevention, a cross community approach brought together four schools – Malone College, Saint Colm's High School, St. Patricks Academy, and Lisnagarvey High School – to engage students from diverse backgrounds in the creation of a video that would resonate with young people and their families. The young people worked closely over 8 weeks to create a practical resource with a strong message for the adults in their lives.
The Housing For All Shared Housing Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
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