Mental Health in Northern Ireland: Pathways to innovation and effective collaboration

In this blog written by Andrea Cartmill from the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI), she examines the robust strategies being implemented to address mental health challenges in the region, and underlines the importance of addressing socio-economic inequalities, empowering communities, and embracing innovation. 

HIRANI are one of the partners working with the Health Innovation Network South London to deliver Innovate UK's Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme.

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. It enables people to cope with life stresses and to contribute to their communities. Promoting good mental health for all is one of the main challenges faced by society. We know that many different factors can affect mental health. These include the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the influence of health and socio-economic inequalities.

Common mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, can be associated with significant distress and impaired function. Although many mental health conditions can be managed with relatively low costs, there are often gaps in care delivery. Economic impacts are also significant, with productivity losses far outstripping the direct costs of care.

In Northern Ireland, the impact of mental health conditions is substantial. In adults, 1 in 5 live with a probable mental condition. This number is 1 in 8 among children. Northern Ireland reports the highest prevalence of mental ill-health across the United Kingdom, underlining the urgent need for action.

Steps being taken to address these issues

In recent years, Northern Ireland has begun implementing robust strategies to address mental health challenges. In May 2020, the Department of Health launched a Mental Health Action Plan, followed by a comprehensive Mental Health Strategy in June 2021. This strategy focuses on prevention, early intervention, and care for those experiencing poor mental health. Its priorities include:

• Promoting mental well-being and resilience.
• Ensuring timely access to the right support.
• Exploring innovative approaches to treatment and care.

The appointment of Professor Siobhan O’Neill as Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champion in 2021 brought renewed focus. Serving as a prominent advocate, this role champions evidence-based services and interventions.

These initiatives signal a commitment to fostering a healthier, more resilient society, but challenges remain, particularly for marginalised communities.

Tackling social exclusion and inequalities

The Mental Health in Northern Ireland Fundamental Facts 2023 report underscores the harsh reality of socio-economic disparities. Residents in the most deprived areas are far more likely to suffer from mental illness than those in affluent communities. Child poverty is a significant factor, with 1 in 4 children living in poverty. Stable housing also plays a critical role, as evidenced by the stark statistic that nearly 70% of people experiencing homelessness have a diagnosed mental health condition.

One initiative is the (CHOICE) Project (Challenging Health Outcomes/Integrating Care Environments). This innovative network collaborates with individuals, organisations, and communities to combat social exclusion and address the physical health disparities faced by those with severe mental health conditions. By addressing social and psychological factors, the CHOICE Project places the lived experiences of individuals at the centre of the conversation. The project is focused on community-based participatory research to co-create solutions, as well as a whole-systems approach to engage public, private, and voluntary stakeholders.

The work of mental health charities

Northern Ireland’s mental health charities play a pivotal role.

• MindWise supports individuals, families, carers, and workplaces through its services across Northern Ireland. In addition to helping those directly affected by mental health challenges, MindWise offers mental health training for employers, empowering workplaces to foster well-being and empathy.
• Inspire operates across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, promoting "well-being for all". They aim to eliminate stigma and discrimination while celebrating the unique abilities of individuals. Campaigns like ‘Time to Talk Day’ encourage open conversations, reducing stigma and building stronger communities.
• Action Mental Health provides a range of services, including its New Horizons program, which equips people with vocational skills, personal development opportunities, and employability training. Their ‘I AM SOMEONE’ campaign, launched in October 2024, highlights individual stories, and underscoring the importance of access to mental health services.
• AWARE offers support groups across urban and rural areas. Their work involves support groups for those living with depression and bipolar disorder, as well as carers for people with illness, engaging with communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. Programs, such as Mood Matters, Living Life to the Full, and Mental Health First Aid, educate communities and equip individuals with practical tools for resilience.

Innovations in mental health treatments

Northern Ireland is also leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform mental health care. The Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) has partnered with UKRI Innovate UK and the Health Innovation Network South London to bring the £20 million Mindset programme to the region. This initiative fosters collaboration between mental health providers and the immersive technology sector. Two Northern Ireland-based companies have already received funding as part of the programme.

• Propeer Solutions Ltd has developed a VR platform to enhance treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by immersing patients in realistic, immersive environments, providing access to support which could reduce therapy times.
• Life Process Program Ltd has developed a suite of VR experiences that augment online addiction recovery programs. These solutions could help to provide accessible care, which is engaging, and can integrate with health systems to help drive innovation in digital therapies.

Looking forward

While there is no quick fix, a combination of sustained collaboration, strategic policy, co-design, good community engagement, and implementation of effective technological solutions offers hope. By addressing socio-economic inequalities, empowering communities, and embracing innovation, Northern Ireland can chart a path toward a place where mental health is prioritised, and every person has access to the care and support they need.