A third-year mental health nursing student from Queen’s University Belfast has warned that long waiting times for mental health support are impacting people across Northern Ireland, as pressure on statutory services continues to grow.

Katie Gray, who is currently training in mental health nursing at Queen’s, said she has seen first-hand the impact of delays and the importance of timely support through both her studies and placement experience.

“As a student mental health nurse, I see how important early support can be. When people are waiting months to access services, it can be incredibly difficult,” she said.

“On placement, you can see how much people need support at the right time. When that support isn’t there, things can become much harder for them. It’s not just about treatment - it’s about feeling heard and supported before things escalate.”

Her comments come as more than 17,500 people in Northern Ireland are currently waiting for a first mental health appointment, with many facing delays of several months, and in some cases over a year. The figures underline growing concern about access to timely mental health support across Northern Ireland.

Katie took part in AWARE NI’s Giant Steps event last year alongside friends, and said the experience highlighted the role community-based initiatives can play in supporting mental health alongside statutory services.

“I loved taking part, especially having that connection alongside friends. It was great to see so many people come together to support the same important cause.”

“Events like this are so important because they raise awareness, reduce stigma and show how strong community support can be for mental health.”

In response, funds raised through AWARE NI’s Causeway Coastal walk, Giant Steps, help sustain the charity’s network of free, peer-led Support Groups and education programmes, which are delivered across communities throughout Northern Ireland. These services provide immediate support to those who need it, offering an important complement to statutory provision.

Lesley Wright, Community and Fundraising Officer at AWARE NI, said demand for services continues to grow.

“We are seeing increasing demand for our services at a time when many people are waiting too long to access support,” she said.

“Giant Steps plays a vital role in helping us provide free, immediate support through our Support Groups across Northern Ireland. Every person who takes part is helping to ensure that support is available when it is needed most.”

Giant Steps, which returns on Saturday 6 June, will see participants take on 7, 13 or 20-mile routes along the Causeway Coast.

The event is open to anyone aged 14 and over, with under 18s required to be accompanied by an adult.

Further information and registration is available here 

Tags: AWARE | Depression | Fundraising | Mental Health | Northern Ireland | Young People