#SocialMediaBan for under 16s unlikely to have an impact on mental health & may have negative unintended consequences. My statement:
Prof Siobhan O’Neill
@profsiobhanon.bsky.social
Mental Health Champion NI | Prof Ulster Uni | mental health, trauma & suicide | mum
Congratulations to Dr Susan Lagdon, awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her work on gender based violence in NI: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/2026/june/kings-birthday-honours-leading-expert-in-research-on-violence-against-women-at-ulster-university,-dr-susan-lagdon,-awarded-mbe
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...
Mental Health Champion Briefing Paper for the Health Committee
mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk
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
Róisín Ingle: The day before the scan results, I remember I have cancer
‘I will just keep on living and occasionally wondering. Grateful to be here. Conscious that it could be different’
irishtimes.com
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.
FactCheckNI@factcheckni.bsky.social · last yr.Read our full analysis here: factcheckni.org/articles/men...
Read our full analysis here: factcheckni.org/articles/men...
Mental Health in NI: Does Northern Ireland have the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and the highest prevalence of mental ill health in the UK? - FactCheckNI
In a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly on the 18th of March 2025, Alliance Party MLA Sian Mulholland said: “Northern Ireland has the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and th...
factcheckni.org
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...
OSF
doi.org
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...
Trauma and mental health in NI: what are the Executive doing to address the burden?
In response to increased awareness of the extent of poor mental health in NI, and commitments to improve services in the New Decade New Approach and the Stormont House Agreements, Minister Swann launc...
pivotalppf.org
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/...
Peak District Mighty Hike
Help Siobhan O'Neill raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support
justgiving.com
🧵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...
Eating disorders: Christmas can be 'the perfect storm'
There has been an increase in people seeking help for eating disorders in Northern Ireland, according to Freed Beyond.
bbc.co.uk
📢 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
🔊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...
‘It will be a monumental failure if Executive cannot find money to address poor mental health’
Prof Siobhan O’Neill says those who hold purse strings need to play their part
irishnews.com
“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
Interview with Siobhan O’Neill
Mental health advocate discusses growing up amid the Troubles, speaking truth to power, and what’s wrong with photos
timeshighereducation.com