15/10/2026
Around 130 key stakeholders from across the community came together for the third Western Area Mental Health Collaborative Engagement Event, held in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on 14 October 2026.
Following the success of the previous events last year, this provided another opportunity for leading experts, educators and advocates across the community to hear from key speakers in relation to mental health services and the importance of those with lived experience being engaged and involved in shaping the services they rely on.
The key stakeholders who took part in the event were from Primary Care, Trust Mental Health Services, Department of Health/ SPPG, Public Health Authority, Community and Voluntary sector, Independent Sector providers, Service Users, Council and The Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.
Karen O’Brien, Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services at the Western Trust said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to bring together so many stakeholders who specialise in mental health services. Following the success of our two events last year we want to continue to keep the momentum going for these worthwhile and informative engagement events.
These events have been designed to ignite meaningful conversations and foster collaboration for the purpose to help create a more cohesive mental health system that meets the needs of the people we serve.
This collaborative event further supports the implementation of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031, which aims to improve mental health services through three key themes:
- Promoting mental wellbeing, resilience and good mental health across society
- Providing the right support at the right time
- New Ways of Working
“We recognise that there is an increasing demand on mental health services across the Western area, with 35% of the total number of mental health hospital admissions across NI here. It is only by all stakeholders working together that we can collectively make improvements for our patients and clients.”
For further information on the Western Area Mental Health Collaborative and upcoming engagement opportunities, please contact:
Nuala Campbell, Towards Zero Suicide Service Improvement Manager, Adult Mental Health and Disability Services on T: 02871 865204
