A Computer Science student who created an app to help support secondary students with mental health issues, is graduating from Queen’s University Belfast today.

Stephanie Allen (23) from Newtownards was inspired by her dad who worked in the IT industry for over 30 years and completed his studies at Queen’s.

Stephanie has suffered from a Borderline Personality Disorder since she was 13 and was diagnosed at 19. She is hoping she can use her new skills to help support others who have mental health issues.

Stephanie says: “The thing I love most about my degree is the ability to take the skills that I learn and apply them to the projects that I am passionate about.

“While I was on placement I thought about developing an app ‘Let It Out’ and asked my younger sister how to access counselling services at her school. It turns out that it is the same system as it was in my time where pupils ask a teacher or member of staff for a referral.

“I decided to use my skills and time in final year to develop the app. It allows students to refer themselves to their school counsellor, which eliminates the need for students to ask a teacher for a referral. It also contains an abundance of information about mental health.”

Stephanie is hoping to secure a graduate job in cybersecurity.

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