Action Mental Health is proud to announce we are charity partner for this year’s Hillsborough Running Festival on Sunday 26^th July 2026.  

This exciting event in a unique location has something for the whole family with both a 10k (15yrs and up), and a half marathon (17yrs and up) event to choose from.  

These races will start within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, before heading out onto the surrounding forest areas of Hillsborough and taking in historic attractions in the local area such as Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake, the half marathon & 10k will then head out on to Ballynahinch road before re-joining the Castle grounds to finish in the event village. Each mile is accurately marked out with distance flags and we have plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish. 

So join us and to make a positive difference to mental health in Northern Ireland!

Would you like to Volunteer at Hillsborough Running Festival?

We’re looking for individuals, friends, family members to volunteer at Hillsborough Running Festival on Sunday 26th July 2026 on behalf of Action Mental Health. As part of our role as lead charity for the Hillsborough Running Festival on Sunday 26th July 2026, we want to provide volunteers to support the smooth running of the event.

Each volunteer will receive all necessary training, hi-vis clothing if required and refreshments from RunThrough and an Action Mental Health T-shirt from us as a small thank you.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week reminds us that no one should have to face an eating disorder alone.

This year, EDAW runs from 23 February – 1 March, focusing on the theme of community. That is, the relationships, support networks, and small acts of connection that can make a meaningful difference in someone’s recovery journey.

Understanding Eating Disorders

An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder¹. Millions more family members, friends and wider support networks are also impacted.

An eating disorder is a complex mental health condition which essentially involves someone using food as an emotional tool.

People with an eating disorder control food and their body as a way of relieving distress or managing their emotions, while achieving some degree of control over their life. Their eating disorder subsequently provides them with a sense of safety.

Eating Disorders are not a choice or a phase, but rather complex coping mechanisms. They can affect anyone of any age, gender, shape or size, or background. But due to the stigma around eating disorders, it can be difficult for some people to seek help.

Why Community Matters in Recovery

1. Community Reduces Isolation

Eating disorders often lead people to withdraw, avoid social situations, or hide their struggles out of shame or fear of being judged. Isolation is one of the symptoms families may notice first, as loved ones may become quieter, less engaged, or pull away from hobbies and connections they once enjoyed.

Having someone who listens without judgement, validates emotions, and gently encourages professional support can be life‑changing for someone living with an eating disorder.

2. Community Encourages Early Support-Seeking

Beginning a conversation can feel daunting, but talking openly helps to reduce the stigma around eating disorders.

Early intervention gives people the greatest chance of full recovery. So, the more we raise awareness of eating disorders as a community, the more normalised it becomes to reach out for support.

3. Community Helps Loved Ones Support Each Other

Recovery affects the whole family. Carers often want to help but may feel unsure about what to do or how to approach difficult moments. So, building an informed and understanding community, where family and friends are also supported, means their loved one benefits too.

Action Mental Health’s Guide to supporting a loved one has further information and support for carers.

How We Build Community at Action Mental Health

Our Eating Disorders Support service works across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area to provide specialist support for adults aged 18+ and carers of anyone affected by eating disorders.

Our approach is rooted in recovery through partnership. This means we work closely with the person, their family and the SHSCT Eating Disorder Team to ensure more comprehensive, personalised support towards recovery.

When someone seeks help, we’re there from the beginning to bridge the gap from seeking treatment and receiving it.  We remain with the client and their family, until they access treatment via the SHSCT Eating Disorder Team, and offer support when the time comes for discharge.

Additionally, we offer support at a community level for those who don’t avail of a service from the SHSCT Eating Disorder Team.

We also deliver workshops to healthcare professionals, schools and community groups to raise awareness of eating disorders and signpost to support services.

What our clients say

“You don’t have to do it all on your own, when you get support you’ll learn how to cope in a better way and it will open all sorts of doors in life you never thought were possible. Recovery is worth it.”

Client supported by our service

“Remember to be kind to yourself too. Eating Disorders affect the whole family. You should all be proud of yourselves for all you do to help your child.”

Carer who attends our monthly carers support group

How You Can Help Create a Supportive Community

You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. Here are simple ways to support someone:

1. Listen without judgement

Let them express their feelings at their own pace. Reassuring them that their feelings are valid goes a long way.

2. Avoid food‑ and body‑focused conversations

Instead, focus on qualities, strengths, and shared experiences that reinforce self‑worth beyond appearance.

3. Use gentle, supportive language

Supportive phrases like “I’m here for you”, “You deserve support”, and “This doesn’t define who you are” can help counter shame and fear.

4. Encourage small acts of self‑care

Things like journalling and grounding techniques can be powerful tools during difficult days.

You could also share our Guide to self-caring with an eating disorder.

5. Look after yourself too

If you’re supporting someone, your wellbeing matters too. Caring for yourself helps you offer steadier, calmer support.

If You’re Struggling, You Deserve Support

If you’re worried about your relationship with food, your body, or exercise, or you’re concerned about someone you love, help is available.

You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to deserve support. Your feelings are always valid, and reaching out as early as possible is a really positive step.

Here are some places you can find support for yourself or a loved one:

• Your GP – a doctor can connect you with the right support services for your needs. If you are a parent or carer and are concerned about a child with an eating disorder, your GP can offer support and make a referral to CAMHS if appropriate.

• Action Mental Health – if you are over 18 and live in the Southern HSC Trust area, you can self-refer to our Eating Disorders Support service by emailing [email protected] or calling (028) 3839 2314 or  07790 885 438. We also support parents and carers of children living with an eating disorder.

• Beat – find information and support resources or contact the helpline via phone, email, or webchat.

• The Laurence Trust – support for men and their families living with eating disorders.

• Fight ED – support for families and carers who have a loved one with an eating disorder.

If you are in crisis:

• Call Lifeline for free on 0808 808 8000 – trained counsellors are available 24/7.
• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – support is available 24/7.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to help build a compassionate and understanding community for those affected by eating disorders.

Visit our library of resources to find out more.

References:

1 Beat, 2026. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/how-many-people-eating-disorder-uk/

Delivered across Northern Ireland by Action Mental Health, the SkillSET programme is for adults not currently in employment who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or mental ill-health. SkillSET helps individuals to shape their future by building confidence and developing new skills.

Illya, a client in our Belfast service, explains how the support he received changed his life for the better:

Life before SkillSET

My name is Illya, I’m a Ukrainian refugee living in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For almost 2 years I had been struggling to find employment as my disability limits my options. Unfortunately, my work coach wasn’t of a great help either.

My mental health was suffering as well, I felt stressed out over the war, was lonely and depressed. Despite all this I tried my best to find a suitable employment but it felt that every effort I made was fruitless.

I sent dozens of applications each week, filled in countless forms, visited job fairs and spoke to employers there – but barely ever heard a reply. I knew my past work experience in Ukraine was not ideal: I had many different jobs in various sectors, my employment story didn’t really reflect my skills, my CV wasn’t great.

As this wasn’t really working, I found employment as a pizza delivery driver. I knew I couldn’t hold this position for long as my health condition deteriorated. I worked there for 6 months, working hard: 6 days a week, long hours, well into the night. But I had to quit as my health took a toll.

Making progress

I started looking for possible courses, that could open doors for me. I applied for ICDL course as well as Employability course with Action Mental Health and it changed everything! As I received the ICDL certificate, I believe employers were more open to the idea of considering my application.

Then Sonia at Action Mental Health helped me with my CV and I’m convinced: whatever magic she did worked straight away! I started getting feedback from employers, though not immediately positive, but still – a result! I also went to a couple of interviews which were organised through Action Mental Health.

And then I applied for a marketing position with an accounting company called Baxterworld and I could tell – they were ready to hire me after just seeing my CV! They invited me for an interview more as a formality I think – and hired me the same day. It was exciting!

A new opportunity

It was a big change in my routine, having to wake up early, go to work, learn to do new things at work, put my already existing skills to a good use. But the confidence I’ve built up thanks to support of Action Mental Health’s programme allowed me to successfully adjust, start and more importantly continue my employment. The support I received has been crucial in that.

Additionally, my new boss, Mr. Ray Baxter and the whole team at Baxterworld were equally supportive and kind. The adjustment of getting back into employment went smooth and much easier than I expected.

I’ve also met so many wonderful people at Action Mental Health! Sonia, Suzan, Nicola, Johnny, Mathew, Jenny and others I unfortunately don’t remember the names of (sorry!). As well as all the visitors to Action Mental Health. They’re all welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental, compassionate and kind people. I’m convinced they gave me confidence to keep trying, to keep applying and eventually finding an amazing company that hired me.

I’m happy to work as a trainee marketing assistant now. I feel much happier now, more confident, successful, fulfilled.

I asked my boss for permission to mention the name of the company and he kindly offered to add his feedback of my work (embarrassing!). Here’s what he had to say:

“We had the opportunity to employ Illya as a Trainee Marketing Assistant through the JobStart scheme, and he has been with us since early November. We are very pleased with his work. He has used his initiative to find ways to promote our business and attract new clients. As someone whose first language was Russian, we were surprised and delighted that his English is as good as any local speaker.”

Ray Baxter
Director, Baxterworld Ltd, Chartered Management Accountants

I’m very happy to work with an amazing and supportive team of Baxterworld. It’s been a very long time since I had a job I enjoyed and looked forward to.

I’m very fortunate to have found Action Mental Health and I wish I had done it sooner! They’re instrumental in changing people’s lives for the better!

Read more client stories.

NI Can’t Wait

From April 2026, Northern Ireland faces a severe and unnecessary funding cliff edge for voluntary and community sector-led services – including programmes like SkillSET. Please help us protect those most in need of our support.