Prof Siobhan O’Neill
@profsiobhanon.bsky.social
Mental Health Champion NI | Prof Ulster Uni | mental health, trauma & suicide | mum
Pinned
📢 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🧵
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🧵
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 🐷🐐🚜👩🏼🌾🌾🧠
Here’s Minister @AndrewMuirNI giving the keynote speech on the importance of farm safety & mental health awareness 🐷🐐🚜👩🏼🌾🌾🧠
April 29, 2025 at 9:11 AM
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 🐷🐐🚜👩🏼🌾🌾🧠
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...
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...
April 25, 2025 at 10:24 AM
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...
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.
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
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
April 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
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.
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
Reposted by Prof Siobhan O’Neill
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
April 25, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Read our full analysis here: factcheckni.org/articles/men...
Reposted by Prof Siobhan O’Neill
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.
April 25, 2025 at 8:29 AM
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.
Reposted by Prof Siobhan O’Neill
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...
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
April 14, 2025 at 1:20 PM
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...
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...
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...
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...
www.pivotalppf.org
March 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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...
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...
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
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
March 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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
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
Whilst suicide is complex, there is strong evidence of the link between financial pressure & suicide
March 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
🧵 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
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/...
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
www.justgiving.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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/...
Macmillan were a vital source of support for Linda, her family, & me, through the most horrendous time.
Please consider donating ❤️🩹
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...
🧵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/
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/
January 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
🧵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/
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...
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.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 21, 2024 at 3:29 PM
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...
Remember, recovery is possible.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
📢 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🧵
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🧵
December 20, 2024 at 12:54 PM
📢 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🧵
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 ⬇️⬇️
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 ⬇️⬇️
December 12, 2024 at 2:47 PM
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 ⬇️⬇️
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
It can be a really sad & triggering time for so many.
Take it a day at a time.
You’re not alone x
December 9, 2024 at 10:19 PM
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
It can be a really sad & triggering time for so many.
Take it a day at a time.
You’re not alone x
December 6, 2024 at 9:52 PM
🔊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.
⬇️
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.
⬇️
December 6, 2024 at 5:48 PM
🔊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.
⬇️
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...
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
www.irishnews.com
December 6, 2024 at 12:39 PM
📢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...
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...
Reposted by Prof Siobhan O’Neill
“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
✍🏻 @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
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 5, 2024 at 8:39 AM
“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
✍🏻 @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
1/ Some observations on the NI suicide numbers in the Registrar General's report, which was reported on yesterday. As always, we remember that these numbers represent real lives & preventable suffering. It is important that the facts are reported.
November 26, 2024 at 4:02 PM
1/ Some observations on the NI suicide numbers in the Registrar General's report, which was reported on yesterday. As always, we remember that these numbers represent real lives & preventable suffering. It is important that the facts are reported.
Reposted by Prof Siobhan O’Neill
‘Resilience interventions do work’ – why coping strategies should be a staple of education
‘Resilience interventions do work’ – why coping strategies should be a staple of education
Early instruction that teaches young people how to recognise negative thought patterns and manage their mental health may help to avoid problems in later life
I was about 16 when I had my first bout of depression, but 29 when I sought help and received a…
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2024 at 2:18 PM
‘Resilience interventions do work’ – why coping strategies should be a staple of education
I would instinctively be against this - there’s always a blurred boundary with suicide. Our goal must be to create lives worth living.
Also, as Michaela says, real choice is not possible because of discrimination & inadequate support.
Huge moral issues with how this has been implemented elsewhere.
Also, as Michaela says, real choice is not possible because of discrimination & inadequate support.
Huge moral issues with how this has been implemented elsewhere.
November 24, 2024 at 9:56 AM
I would instinctively be against this - there’s always a blurred boundary with suicide. Our goal must be to create lives worth living.
Also, as Michaela says, real choice is not possible because of discrimination & inadequate support.
Huge moral issues with how this has been implemented elsewhere.
Also, as Michaela says, real choice is not possible because of discrimination & inadequate support.
Huge moral issues with how this has been implemented elsewhere.
A great project- compassionate telephone descalation is great, where it's possible.
We also need longer term data on whether people who are suicidal get effective suicide prevention treatments.
& the outcomes of those referred to Statutory and C&V Sector services.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We also need longer term data on whether people who are suicidal get effective suicide prevention treatments.
& the outcomes of those referred to Statutory and C&V Sector services.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Mental health: Early success for nurses on 999 calls scheme
A South Eastern Trust pilot is helping those in mental health crisis avoid emergency departments.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2024 at 11:58 AM
A great project- compassionate telephone descalation is great, where it's possible.
We also need longer term data on whether people who are suicidal get effective suicide prevention treatments.
& the outcomes of those referred to Statutory and C&V Sector services.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We also need longer term data on whether people who are suicidal get effective suicide prevention treatments.
& the outcomes of those referred to Statutory and C&V Sector services.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Core Grants scheme for C&V sector groups⬇️
They do need secure funding & integration into the Regional MH Service.
Nonetheless, change is happening, & I’m heartened by recent examples of new ways of working to ensure that people get great mental health care.
www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-...
They do need secure funding & integration into the Regional MH Service.
Nonetheless, change is happening, & I’m heartened by recent examples of new ways of working to ensure that people get great mental health care.
www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-...
Health Minister opens 2025/26 Core Grant funding scheme
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today launched the Department of Health’s Core Grant funding scheme for 2025/2026.
www.health-ni.gov.uk
November 20, 2024 at 10:36 AM
Core Grants scheme for C&V sector groups⬇️
They do need secure funding & integration into the Regional MH Service.
Nonetheless, change is happening, & I’m heartened by recent examples of new ways of working to ensure that people get great mental health care.
www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-...
They do need secure funding & integration into the Regional MH Service.
Nonetheless, change is happening, & I’m heartened by recent examples of new ways of working to ensure that people get great mental health care.
www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-...
V-grateful to Marie Curie NI for their schools bereavement programme.💛
Providing school-based bereavement support, highlighting the need for grief education, & securing a compassionate future for NI schools.
#CompassionateSchoolsNI
www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/schoo...
Providing school-based bereavement support, highlighting the need for grief education, & securing a compassionate future for NI schools.
#CompassionateSchoolsNI
www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/schoo...
Schools Bereavement Programme
Marie Curie is leading on a programme in Northern Ireland to address the need for loss and bereavement information and support for children and young people to be delivered in educational settings.
www.mariecurie.org.uk
November 20, 2024 at 10:24 AM
V-grateful to Marie Curie NI for their schools bereavement programme.💛
Providing school-based bereavement support, highlighting the need for grief education, & securing a compassionate future for NI schools.
#CompassionateSchoolsNI
www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/schoo...
Providing school-based bereavement support, highlighting the need for grief education, & securing a compassionate future for NI schools.
#CompassionateSchoolsNI
www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/schoo...