Sophie Thomson

Authored a series of articles for an online mental health organization, sharing academic knowledge and personal experiences. These articles aimed to normalize mental health discussions and promote seeking support, and were published on their webpage.

Supports adults with mental health difficulties in achieving QQI qualifications, focusing on recovery and wellness. Provides 1:1 support for academic, personal, and emotional development, and leads daily group wellbeing check-ins. Coordinates weekly wellbeing workshops, engages with local mental health supports, and applies for funding.

Provides 24-hour telephone and email emotional support to individuals experiencing loneliness, mental health difficulties, and suicidal ideation. Listens and responds empathetically and non-judgmentally, following Samaritans' training to explore callers' thoughts and feelings without advising.

Responded to online messages from individuals experiencing mental health challenges, particularly self-harm, anxiety, and depression. Followed a defined structured model for evaluating and de-escalating potential crises, providing support via text.

Supported five males with Autism in a day centre, focusing on personalized support plans to develop daily life skills and improve independence. Created innovative motivational strategies and facilitated community integration, including weekly trips and work experience support.

Completed an 8-week online internship providing real-time emotional support via live chats on a mental health app. Supported users with issues like loneliness, relationship problems, and work-related stress, gaining insight into technology's role in psychological healthcare.

Responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of residents in a care home. Provided daily life assistance, listened to residents' stories, and adapted to their needs with patience to achieve positive outcomes.

Observed medical staff aiding and supporting patients in a leprosy hospital, including daily rounds and minor procedures. Gained insights into the importance of early intervention, prevention, and the impact of social stigma on treatment access.

Completed a structured program combining mindfulness and self-compassionate practices. Developed skills in emotional resilience and self-soothing, finding it valuable for personal and professional development.

Completed a Master's degree focusing on the research and application of well-being and technological interventions. Explored the pitfalls and pros of current and future technological advances like wearables and VR. Practiced using an online intervention called Minddistrict and investigated anticipatory meaning-making in relation to climate futures for the master's thesis.

Activities and societies: Participated in three committees: events and social committee of TODAY organization (sustainable living), chief of administration for Not Alone (supporting students adjusting to university/culture), and events committee for Sustain (sustainability awareness).

Graduated from the psychology program, writing a bachelor's thesis on 'contextual effects in age perception mediated by an own-age bias'. Completed extra courses to expand knowledge and maintained a strong satisfaction for learning throughout studies.

Completed a 3-day trauma-informed crisis prevention and intervention program developed by Cornell University. Developed skills in prevention, de-escalation, and managing crises with vulnerable adults empathetically. Highlighted the importance of rapport, understanding underlying factors, and promoting safety and emotional regulation.

Completed a two-day training on suicide first aid, aiming to reduce the risk of suicide by empowering support to better understand the needs of the person at risk. Highlighted safety and reaching out for further support.

Completed training to raise awareness about the stigma of suicide and become more open to discussing the topic. Covered warning signs, how to link with appropriate services, and the value of early intervention and prevention.

Received training on how to use the Canva website. Covered the basics of creating posters, social media graphics, presentations, and reports.

Completed a 2-day training on restorative practices, focusing on approaches to building and maintaining strong relationships during conflict. Emphasized open communication, active listening, and accountability for positive resolution.

Completed training to provide emotional support for individuals in need, including those in active suicide or crisis. Learned to create a safe and supportive space, respond sensitively and empathetically, and work within the Samaritans' values and framework. Gained insight into non-physical cues of distress and the importance of non-judgmental, self-empowering support.