PEACE of Mind project initiative launched to address mental health challenges

A total of €7,699.611.00 of PEACEPLUS funding has been awarded to an engaging and innovative youth mental health and wellbeing programme that will enhance emotional resilience in children and young people aged between nine and 25 in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland PEACE of Mind project is a cross community cross-border strategic initiative that is designed to address the significant mental health challenges prevalent among young people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).The project will be led by Verbal, in partnership with The Cedar Foundation, Inspire Wellbeing and The Open University 

The project aims to enhance the capacity of all children and young people including those with disabilities, brain injuries, autism and mental health needs to form positive and effective relationships with others from different cultural and religious backgrounds whilst developing strategies to support self-efficacy, resilience and coping strategies leading to positive mental health and enhancing well-being outcomes.

PEACE of Mind will ensure that young people are central to the project’s design, delivery and outcomes, offering skills development and self-regulation strategies that will provide young people with greater choice and control over their mental health and well-being.

Welcoming the announcement, Education Minister Paul Givan MLA said: “I welcome this significant investment to support youth mental health and wellbeing and am pleased this project includes a specific focus on special schools and children with complex physical and cognitive disabilities. 

“The detailed consultation undertaken with young people on the project design will ensure a child-focused approach which understands and aims to meet the needs of the young people.  I wish the project partners every success and look forward to seeing tangible outcomes from this important initiative.”

Roderic O’Gorman, TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth commented: “I welcome the launch of this important cross community, cross border initiative which will support community activities to promote young people’s mental health and wellbeing, leading to improved outcomes for the children and young people involved.

"Through ensuring that young people are central to the project’s design, delivery and outcomes, the PEACE of Mind project will enhance young people’s self-efficacy, resilience and coping strategies, providing them with greater choice and control over their mental health and well-being.

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"The successful development and launch of the PEACE of Mind project is testament to the strong collaboration between Verbal and their partners, and I commend them and the Special EU Programmes Body on their work to date. I wish all the children and young people involved every success as they begin this exciting new project”.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre: “Creating a better future for all our young people is one of the core objectives of the PEACEPLUS Programme. This funding is designed to support children and young people deal with one of the most challenging legacies of our shared past, intergenerational trauma . 

“Supporting both childhood development, which is key to breaking the trauma cycle, and through focused interventions which will provide young people with the tools, knowledge and support to care for their mental health.”

Addressing those in attendance at the launch, Verbal CEO, James Kerr, said: "At Verbal, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, build resilience and strengthen emotional well-being. The PEACE of Mind project represents a significant opportunity to bring young people together across communities, fostering understanding and connection while equipping them with the emotional wellbeing skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.

"We are proud to lead this collaborative initiative, which places young people at its heart and ensures inclusivity, creativity and empowerment are at the core of its co-design and delivery."

John D’Arcy OBE, Nation Director The Open University Ireland stated, "The Open University is delighted to partner with Verbal, Inspire and The Cedar Foundation on this innovative Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing project funded by PEACEPLUS.

"The PEACE of Mind project is both timely and much needed with a strong collaborative focus on empowering young minds and building resilience. The university looks forward to impacting positively the lives of young people along with our partners and the Special EU Programmes Body.”

“We are delighted to be part of this transformative and innovative youth mental health and wellbeing programme funded by PEACEPLUS. The opportunity to collaborate with Verbal, Inspire and Open University on an initiative that enhances the capacity of all young people, including those with disabilities, brain injuries, autism, and mental health needs, is incredibly meaningful.

"By supporting the development of positive relationships, resilience, and self-management skills, we are excited to contribute to a future where young people have the tools, confidence, and control to shape their mental health and well-being, leading to lasting, positive impact in their lives,” Elaine Armstrong Cedar CEO.

"The focus of PEACE of Mind on empowering young people to look after their own mental health now and into the future is both important and exciting.  The team at Inspire are delighted to be working in partnership with our sector colleagues and young people across the region to deliver this innovative, genuinely young person lead programme," Kerry Anthony MBE, Inspire Group Chief Executive.