New Script has made major gains this year in our campaign for a mental health approach rooted in dignity and rights. Our movement is rapidly growing, with activists spreading our message from Derry to Dungannon, Cooley to Cork.

A key milestone was securing cross-party support for our Give 5 Framework, paving the way for an Assembly motion in early 2026. All six main parties now back Give 5, a roadmap for government that complements the Public Health Agency’s individually focused Take 5. Over 200 civic groups and organisations have endorsed it, showing widespread demand for a new approach.

We’ve taken Give 5 into grassroots communities across Belfast and beyond, delivering Creative Tools for Action workshops that explore non-pathologising approaches to emotional healing. Partnerships with Glór na Mona, Gairdín an Phobail, GROW, Belfast Tool Library, Newhill Community Centre, NI Mental Health Arts Festival and connections with groups like Cooley Connect, Lenadoon Community Forum, STEPS, and Youth Action have strengthened our reach.

The ’ticking boxes’ culture in mental health services has had devastating consequences for too many families. In August, we launched the No More Ticking Boxes music video, featuring Damien Dempsey and trauma expert Gabor Mate, calling for truth and accountability. We were honoured to be joined by Damien Dempsey as well as critical psychiatrist Dr. Pat Bracken for the launch.

We continue holding the Health Department, Trusts, and oversight bodies to account through research, FOIs, data analysis, testimonies, and media engagement, earning coverage from BBC, Irish News, Belfast Telegraph, U105, and Belfast Live.

Storytelling remains central. In October, we launched The Rest of the Story, an anthology of activist voices praised by Trespasses author Louise Kennedy and Professor Phil Scraton QUB. Activists presented at over a dozen events, including the Critical Voices Conference (UCC), NI Mental Health Arts Festival, and Creative Brains Festival (Trinity College), energising new allies, including front-line workers affected by the current medicalised system.

We’ve also prioritised our collective wellbeing, with a Summer Solstice Walk on Divis Mountain led by Glór na Mona and a restorative residential hosted by Denise Bradley and Corrymeela.

Looking ahead, ACNI funding will support a play with Louise Matthews and Kabosh Theatre to shine a light on the reality of in-patient experiences. The need to reduce overprescribing of antidepressants, alongside widening healing options offered will be a central focus in 2026 and planned work will include a survey and factsheet. We anticipate an Assembly debate on these issues, as well the release of our community consultation on a New Script for Mental Health.