Alison Campbell

I am a Wife and Mum living in the beautiful Mourne area.

I work as a Pastoral Support Officer in the local post primary school, looking after the wellbeing of young people from many different backgrounds.  In my spare time I run a training company delivering First Aid and Mental Health Awareness training to businesses and groups throughout Northern Ireland.

I have worked with children and young people in different capacities for over 25 years.  I have a real passion to help improve their lives through early intervention and correct support by signposting to the most relevant organisations.  I believe the Connections programme is a wonderful way to educate young people and their families about Mental Health and Suicide, creating places and spaces where people feel comfortable talking about these subjects in an open and honest way.

I have a very close link to the Veteran community here in Northern Ireland and care very much about this special group of people.  Being involved in the development of Operation Link Life has been a highlight of my time working with Fresh Minds Education. I thank every single Veteran who shared their story, sat in front of a camera or supported their comrades during the creating of the course.  I have no doubt that this course has already opened doors to start conversations about what some may think are difficult subjects.  Long may this training continue.

My motivation for delivering the Connections programme is to allow all the participants to realise they have a life worth living and help them to see how they can encourage others to believe the same.

I am privileged to be a Senior Ambassador for Connections and trust that I am in this position to pass on my knowledge and experience to others.

I try to encourage others to attend the training so as they have the confidence to be able to spot signs, start conversations and help someone at risk to get the support they need.

Living where I live it is always a pleasure to take a walk and let the beauty all around seep into my soul!

Owning a pony has allowed me to realise the power of Equine therapy and I can testify to the benefit of building a relationship with an Equine friend.

I love to spend time with the people that mean the most to me and enjoy nothing better than a day of fun and laughter with family and friends.

As a Christian I have a faith that gives me hope when life gets tough.  Prayer has always been a comfort to me when I feel in need of self care.

I am hopeful that Connections will reach every single person throughout Northern Ireland either directly through training or indirectly through family or friends.

Every morning before I get out of bed I think of 5 things in my life to be thankful for.  I believe starting the day with a positive, grateful mindset is so important for overall wellbeing.

I am blessed with so many things I can be thankful for:  Family, friends, health, a beautiful home, food on the table and of course amazing work colleagues!!