Young people to get help from peace-building funding to overcome mental health challenges

Thousands of young people in Northern Ireland and the border counties are set to receive help to overcome mental health challenges after funding was granted to two cross-border projects.

Figures show that the north has some of the highest levels of mental ill-health among young people in Europe.

In a bid to tackle some of these issues, the roll-out of the €1.14 billion PEACEPLUS Programme will see €20 million provided for youth mental health and wellbeing services.

The history of violence and legacy of the conflict is often highlighted as a significant factor for the higher levels of mental ill-health, while research shows children growing up in areas of conflict demonstrate higher levels of mental ill health and anti-social behaviours.

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The funding, which was announced on Monday, has been awarded to two projects, Our Generation, led by Action Mental Health and Peace of Mind led by Verbal.

The projects will “make a considerable contribution to peace and reconciliation through a range of cross-community and cross-border youth mental health and wellbeing models; peace and reconciliation focused youth leadership programmes; and programmes, which instil confidence in young people to act as agents of change, building peace for future generations”.

Stormont education minister Paul Givan said he welcomed the investment in youth work initiatives “focussing on the mental health of our children and young people”.

“A significant number of our children and young people are facing challenges relating to their mental health and emotional well-being,” he said.

“There is a clear need for a collective effort to provide learning and support in this area to ensure children and young people can manage these challenges and are happy, ready to learn and are thriving.”

PEACEPLUS, which aims to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: “Creating a better future for all our young people is one of the core objectives of the PEACEPLUS Programme.

“This funding will support children and young people to overcome mental health challenges which are one of the longest and most challenging legacies of the conflict.

“This vital funding will support childhood development and help to break that chain of intergenerational trauma through focused interventions which will provide young people with the tools, knowledge and support to care for their mental health.”