Carrick-on-Suir teenager's HOPE Project campaigns for better mental health services for young people

A Carrick-on-Suir teenager is the founder of an online project promoting mental health awareness and advocating for better mental health services for young people.  

The Hope Project website was set up by Charlotte McDonnell two years ago when she was 15-years-old

The website raises awareness of mental health and suicide, offering support systems and feedback to anyone suffering or struggling from any form of mental health issues. 

HOPE is an acronym for Hold On Pain Ends. Charlotte who has been through her own  personal traumas, understands the searing pain and anguish that burdens any young person with mental health issues. 

She started  by sharing quotes and local helpline numbers and spreading awareness about  mental health issues and suicide on Instagram.  

“In January 2022 I created the Hope Project website. I was still struggling with my mental health but I wanted a reason to keep going, so I really pushed myself and made the Hope Project bigger and better. 

“I got in contact with TDs, the HSE and many other people to tell them a change needs to be made to the mental health system in Ireland as the current system is not working and adolescents are being left alone when they need these services,” said Charlotte .  

The youth friendly Hope Project website has helpline numbers to services in Ireland, the UK, EU countries, India, China, Australia, the US and New Zealand. People can log on and share their stories knowing that they are not alone and that there is support out there. 

Charlotte has  worked closely with Tipperary TD Martin Browne, his secretary Joe Pryce and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health. Dublin TD Mark Ward, who met with her in Leinster House last summer and supports   her campaign. 

  She said Tipperary  needs urgent funding for mental health services as the county has one of the highest rates of death by suicide.

Charlotte is now studying a  pre-nursing course at CTI in Clonmel with placements in Tipperary University Hospital.  She plans to go on and train as a paramedic.  

 Charlotte spoke of her experience with CAMHS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service who provide assessment and treatment for young people and their families, as being suited for much younger children rather than teenagers. 

She said she would love to have a dedicated quiet, sensory and youth friendly unit or rooms set up in the hospitals for young people with mental health issues, with a team of professional, caring people and related services on hand to offer immediate and lasting care. 

  “The road upwards is not all up, it is an up and down road,” she said. “It takes time but it will get better and being patient with yourself and persistent with the services available will help. Pain does end so hold on to that hope you have.” 

Charlotte is now working on putting up permanent suicide prevention posters on bridges with immediately accessible helpline telephone numbers. 

As the Hope Project  grows, she plans to set up an online shop with related merchandise to held raise funds for the suicide prevention posters, website upgrades and future events. 

 “I couldn’t have created the project without the support from my friends, family and especially the followers of the Hope Project.

“I hope to help many more people in the future with the Hope Project and the message will always stay the same: HOPE - Hold On, Pain Ends. 

“You will get through every hard day. The pain you may be feeling now won’t last forever. Stay strong.” 

For further information and to access The Hope Project contact the following @thehopeproject.ie; www.thehopeproject.ie; email:thehopeproject.ie@gmail.com; Facebook: The Hope Project Tipperary