What?

"IAM WHO IAM" is a series of fundraising events designed to raise £6,500. This amount will enable us to fund an MSc at Queen's University Belfast to research the impact social media is having on young adults in Northern Ireland; with a focus on Body Dysmorphia, Depression and Anxiety.

Why?

Mental Health is a growing cause for concern for all. According to the 'The Mental Health Foundation' in Northern Ireland 1 in 5 people show signs of a possible mental health problem. Northern Ireland has the highest prescription costs for Anti-depressants and the highest suicide rates in the UK yet despite this has the UK's lowest amount of public spending investment into health services.

The problem is particular prevalent for children and young adults. 50% of all lifetime mental health illness start before the age of 14 and 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. 

We want to change this. Instead of looking at treating the symptoms of mental health, we want to understand the causes. We are working with the School of Psychology at Queen's University Belfast and want to further this through the creation of an MSc focusing on this field. 

Our aim is to apply the knowledge gained from this research to help educate young adults as to the potential impact of social media use. In addition to this we want to empower young men and women find confidence in their unique identity and individuality: not just their outward appearance.