Spectacular projections will be beamed onto two historic landmarks in east Co Antrim today - literally shining a light on World Mental Health Day.
The special event is part of a charity campaign called Passing Waves: Hope Through Light and will see amazing images beamed onto Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne and Carrickfergus Castle from 7pm to 10pm.
There will be a lighting and sound display as part of this which has been curated in a unique commission by artist and musician Ryan Vail such as in the example in the photograph above.
The spectacle has been planned by Extern in partnership with Northern Ireland Alternatives and Wonder Arts with the support of The Executive Office and they hope it will attract public support support tonight to witness the visuals and share it on social media to promote their message - that hope is within reach, even in the most difficult times.
An Extern counsellor said: "It is a privilege to support clients by providing them with a safe space where they can trust someone enough to tell their stories.
"A combination of addiction, abuse of all types, trauma, intergenerational trauma and grief often underpin the anxiety and depression that brings clients to Extern. Every story is different, but all are a myriad of tangled problems that we help to unravel.
"I am encouraged by the number of men of all ages coming forward for counselling. I am hopeful that the stigma around mental health, particularly held by the older generation, is beginning to fade.
"One of our middle aged clients presented with severe anxiety. We were able to explore their childhood and relationship to their family. Through this process they rediscovered a talent for writing and has been able to explore their life experience through this medium.
"I am alarmed however by the decreasing age of our young people being caught in a cycle of drug addiction. What starts out as fun becomes a quick fix for temporary confidence or a means to numbing difficult feelings. The resilience that develops in knowing how to deal with difficult feelings is being lost to our youth.
"A young client had achieved everything they had dreamed of but still struggled to find joy. Through increasing drug use they lost their career and their relationship. With counselling they were able to recognise that they were using drugs to numb the feelings of childhood trauma. Recognising and dealing with this has freed them to rebuild their career and relationship.
"It is an honour support people through difficult times in their lives but at the same time provide them with tools to cope with future problems."
The organisation Community in Transition Larne and Carrick is a wellbeing initiative in Larne offering both a person and community-centred approach. They provide intensive one-to-one therapeutic support and a listening ear to those impacted by mental health alcohol and substance use.
Through small, inclusive peer-led support groups, participants are encouraged to share their experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space - examples include Larne Momentum’s men’s group, cold water dipping and wellbeing group Embrace and Man On, a football and mental health group.
One client said: "Before Extern were involved with me, I was struggling greatly with my anxiety and depression. Being involved with the service has helped me build my confidence and has helped me get out of the house once a week.
"Since being with Extern I have been able to get on public transport by myself which I had not done in seven years. Extern and their services have impacted my life in such a positive way that I feel I can do a lot more by myself than what I could do before I was with them."
Another, a former drug user, said: "My friends were my dealers. I was scared to take that first step, now I can be me, no judgement, life looks brighter."
The project launched in 2020 has supported over 2,500 individuals and families across the community of Larne and Carrick and responds to increasing mental health challenges in the area using a holistic person centred and wrapped around approach.
Extern Project Manager Sharon Smith added: "In our therapeutic spaces we have seen, trauma, intergenerational trauma, anxiety, depression, bereavement, suicidal ideation, families bereaved by suicide, addiction to alcohol and substances and exploitation.
"We don’t just offer six sessions but develop a care plan that supports the individual or family with both therapeutical and practical help and then steps down into peer support. We collaborate with other local community and voluntary agencies including Wonder Arts, Factory Forum and Alternatives.
"The impact of the initiative has been profound. Participants have reported significant improvements in their mental wellbeing, decreased alcohol and substance use including reduced anxiety and stress levels, enhanced emotional resilience, and an overall increase in community connection.
"The group sessions have been particularly effective in helping individuals manage feelings of isolation. People are not only learning how to manage their own mental health but also gaining the confidence to support others within the community.
"In a time when mental health services are more vital than ever, Larne and Carrick's collaborative community-led initiative stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when communities come together to support each other.
"This collaborative campaign with Wonder Arts, Northern Ireland Alternatives and Extern is to reinforce within communities that there is hope, that this initiative wouldn't have happened without the funding from TEO, DOJ and Communities in Transition and that its a significant step forward in providing meaningful change. Please reach out if you or someone else needs support - this campaign is about raising awareness."
*For more information on support available visit ExternCommunitiesinTransition on Facebook or email CIT@extern.org
