By Annie Stewart
A BANGOR teenager has been praised for his quick thinking and ‘extraordinary actions’ in helping a vulnerable person in Belfast last week.
Conor Green and his friends were in the Victoria Square shopping centre watching a film on Thursday and were leaving at around 9pm when they came across someone in distress.
The 17-year-old and his friends helped the person until security officers arrived on scene. The Spectator isn’t revealing details of the incident at the request of the authorities.
“Initially I was confused about what was happening and then concerned,” said Conor.
“Nothing went through my mind, I didn’t think about my actions, I just did them. It didn’t feel brave at the time, and it doesn’t feel brave now.
“It wasn’t an act of bravery or publicity, I didn’t expect anything from this, this was just me assisting someone’s cry for help.”
When Conor came home and told his parents, in true Northern Irish fashion he was offered a cup of tea.
“It was very strange, everyone was saying we’re very proud of you and everyone’s been congratulating me.”
Staff at Victoria Square reached out to Conor’s school, Bangor Grammar to commend him and his friends for their actions.
They expressed their ‘thanks and admiration’ and said in an email; “They showed empathy and speed of thought, helping to de-escalate the situation.
“Whilst it can be easy to overlook the struggles of others, Conor and his friends displayed great responsibility and care.”
Conor, who thought he’d go into the arts in his future career, is now considering other options.
“I’ve always had a bit of a thing for trying to help people, but after what happened on Thursday it’s totally changed things,” he said.
“Initially I wanted to go into the arts and do something with that. I’ve been looking into courses on therapy and becoming a therapist. Yes I would consider doing a career into it now.
“What happened on Thursday, it was incredibly stressful and it shook me right to my core then and for days after but I still feel drawn to preventing things like that.”
Conor believes there is always someone who wants to help and anyone who ever feels like they are struggling should reach out.
“I would say you’re never alone, there are people out there whether they be five total strangers like me and my friends, or whether they be loved ones or friends, there is always someone out there who wants to help and see you succeed.”
Philip Mooney, Conor’s grandad said he ‘showed a lot of initiative’ and that the family are very proud of him.
“It was a very brave thing to do. We are very proud of Conor, very much so. This is too important not to mention.”
