Inspire was delighted to mark the launch of phase two of the If It’s Okay campaign at Parliament Buildings this week, during an event that focused on connecting political leaders with the people who use our services.
Service users from across Northern Ireland convened at Stormont for an afternoon gathering that delivered the voice of lived experience straight to the heart of government and corridors of power.
In her opening remarks, event sponsor Cara Hunter MLA spoke of personal loss and stressed the importance of supporting those around us, be they family, friends, colleagues or, in the case of elected representatives, constituents.
Lisa McElherron, Inspire’s Group Director of Insight, Engagement and Innovation, then introduced statistics relating to public opinions of mental illness and underlined the damaging links between discrimination and physical health. She also debuted Inspire’s powerful new video, which illustrates the impact of shame.
Following this, Inspire CEO Kerry Anthony MBE reminded MLAs of Inspire’s Programme for Government asks. She went on to introduce the If It’s Okay campaign and urge those legislators in attendance to sign up to its five pledges: support the full funding and implementation of the Mental Health Strategy; avoid stigmatising language and challenge such language when used by others; learn more about serious mental illness; visit services for people living with serious mental illness; and offer non-judgemental, informed support.
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt MLA, who praised Inspire’s ongoing efforts to tackle mental health-related stigma, shame and discrimination. He emphasised his own focus on mental health in Northern Ireland, as well as the value of collaboration between the public and third sectors.
Speeches gave way to roundtable discussions between MLAs, all of whom had added their signatures to the If It’s Okay pledge board, and Inspire service users, each one keen to offer their own insights and perspectives. These vital conversations between the people we support and those elected to represent them in the Northern Ireland Assembly gave life and form to personal experiences of mental illness.
Before proceedings concluded for lunch, Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhán O’Neill offered some reflections. The time has come, she said, for things to change on the ground and for plans to give way to action, increased funding and better mental health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.
We’ve posted an image gallery and video diary of the day below. Be sure to check them out.
