Member's statement: Mental Health Support Initiatives: East Antrim
Member's statement by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on .
- MLA
- Ms Cheryl Brownlee
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 15 October 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Mental Health Support Initiatives: East Antrim
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4592472
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I highlight a remarkable initiative that took place in East Antrim last Thursday, which was World Mental Health Day. Two of our most historic landmarks, Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne and Carrickfergus Castle, were illuminated as part of a campaign called, "Passing Waves: Hope Through Light". That unique light and sound display, created by artist and musician Ryan Vail, took place to promote mental health awareness. The event, which was organised by Extern, in partnership with Northern Ireland Alternatives and Wonder ARTS and with support from the Executive Office, aimed to shine a light on the importance of mental health and send the message that hope is in reach, even in the of darkest times. The work of Extern, a key partner in the event, is invaluable in addressing the complex mental health challenges faced by individuals and families in our community. Extern counsellors support people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and grief. The impact of their work, particularly their holistic, person-centred approach, is life-changing. Many of its clients speak of new-found confidence and improved mental health achieved through counselling and peer-led support groups, such as Larne Momentum, EMBRACE, Man On and Carrickfergus Hub Improving Lives Locally (CHILL). While it is encouraging to see men of all ages breaking down stigmas around mental health, it is alarming to see the increasing numbers of young people who are caught in the cycle of addiction. Extern's work supports those individuals by recognising and addressing the underlying traumas that lead to substance abuse. The initiative, which was launched in 2020, has supported over 2,500 individuals and families in the Larne and Carrickfergus area, providing therapeutic and practical help in collaboration with local groups such as Wonder ARTS and Northern Ireland Alternatives. That has been crucial to delivering that care. Participants have reported significant improvements in mental health and well-being, reduced substance use and enhanced emotional resilience. I commend the project team and the community for coming together to address the pressing challenges. The event reminds us that hope, connection and support are all critical in navigating our mental health struggles. I encourage anyone who needs help to reach out. Let us continue to promote and support such initiatives, which are essential for the well-being of all in our community.
379 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.03 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.03 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.02 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.02 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.21 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.03 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.93 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.03 |
| Sexism, misogyny, ageism and other equality groups | 0.03 |
| Gender, sexuality, abortion and related social issues | 0.01 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:26 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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