Stonehenge
A Wiltshire teenager’s campaign to change perceptions around young people’s mental health has earned him a national accolade.
Kieran Mulvaney, 17, of Chippenham, was successfully nominated for a Diana Award which recognises the work of young people to inspire the lives of others.
Kieran is the founder of a major campaign around mental health called ‘Let’s Think About It’ which is attracting wide interest and has resulted in the Diana Award for Courageous Citizen.
Kieran is a member of the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth and the UK Youth Parliament. Both organisations are supported by Wiltshire Council.
He started his campaign a year ago and now has more than 30 young people involved.
He said: “I run a mental health campaign called ‘Let’s Think About It!!’ and it looks to reduce the stigmas that come with mental health and to try and reduce the negative language used. It is quite humbling that I’ve been recognised for doing the work I do. I never expected it.”
Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “Congratulations Kieran on achieving this recognition for your hard work in raising an issue which is important for people of all ages.”
Kieran was re-elected into the UK Youth Parliament earlier this year as the North Wiltshire representative. He said part of the reason for running again was to push the mental health campaign and help young people have a voice.
Part of the campaign has involved producing a film on mental health issues with the support of Fixers a young people’s charity. The film can be seen by visiting http://lets-think.org.uk/video/
