16th November 2022
The British Psychological Society’s Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland will next week hold its annual conference, bringing together senior civil servants, clinical psychologists and community activists to consider how to work most effectively and collaboratively to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the citizens of Northern Ireland.
The conference, titled, Creating Psychological Safety in Changing Times: Connecting & Imagining, will feature a high-profile suite of speakers including Dr Patricia Donnelly, the former head of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, and Dr Dennis McMahon, the Permanent Secretary in The Executive Office.
Speakers, including Aidan Dawson; CEO of the Public Health Agency, Koulla Yiasouma; NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, and Eddie Lynch; Commissioner for Older People, will share innovations in the delivery of clinical psychology services at the event held in the Dunadry Hotel on 24 & 25 November.
Professor Nichola Rooney, Chair of the DCPNI, said:
“In our current state of political deadlock in Northern Ireland, it is more important than ever that collaborative working is used to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our citizens.
“We are grateful that Permanent Secretaries will be contributing to our conference, as with the absence of Executive Ministers they are the most senior voices in our government.
“Collaborative working between our government officials and our other speakers including the Commissioners for Children & Young People and Older People, we believe is the most appropriate approach to ensuring improvement of mental health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland.
“We look forward to hearing these contributions on the day, and extend an invitation to anyone who may be interested in this important topic to register to join us.”