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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Belfast teenagers release video on the impact lockdown has on their mental health

A Belfast-based youth group have created a short film during lockdown to raise awareness about positive mental health.

The young people, in their early teens, have been working with Kids in Control (KIC), a local professional theatre company who work in partnership with the Suicide Awareness and Support.

And their 'To Be Honest' programme has focused on looking at social media and mental health with this most recent video aimed at how to stay positive during challenging times.

The young people and well-being programme, which is funded by BBC Children in Need, initially started before the coronavirus crisis hit Northern Ireland, where the group would meet up in the city centre for physical theatre workshops.

Speaking to Belfast Live, KIC Project Director Jade Quinn said they had to quickly rethink their approach and become digitally connected.

"When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and the project became even more relevant than before," she said.

"We felt it was important to transfer the project online as quickly as possible in order to give the participants a sense of normality and keep them connected at a time when many were feeling isolated and frightened.

"The group have adapted really well to our Zoom online workshops. They are fantastic ambassadors for keeping connected with groups online and continue to make me proud getting important messages out to their peers about the importance of good mental health."

KIC is core funded by the Arts Council NI and Belfast City Council who have supported the projects through Arts Council NI and Public health Agency ARTiculate programme.

And their main aim - to develop a working partnership with Suicide Awareness and Support Group to finding new ways to connect with and support young people to help breakdown the stigma, reduce isolation and signpost their peers to the appropriate mental health support.

And you can get involved using the hashtags #reachingoutisastrength and #itsiknottobeok

If you are in need support please see the following helplines:

LIFELINE is available 24/7 - 0808 808 8000

Childline – 0800 1111

Suicide Awareness & Support Group – 02890 239 967

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