David was presented with the Leading Forward on Health & Social Care Reform award at CO3’s recent Leadership Awards.

Sponsored by the Department of Health, this award is in recognition of David’s tireless work to ensure mental health remains a key priority in Health and Social Care reform. It acknowledges the personal and professional commitment and leadership he has provided both for AMH and for the Mental Health sector in NI and for the achievements he has made in driving forward change.

Many congratulations David!

The campaign runs across the UK from 27 February – 5 March.

AMH Adapt provides support and understanding to anyone affected by an eating disorder, including their family and friends.  AMH Adapt works in partnership with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust to raise greater awareness and understanding of eating disorders and encourage anyone affected by this mental health condition to come forward for support.

AMH Adapt’s services include;

• Email/telephone support
• One to one information sessions
• Support programmes for people affected by an eating disorder
• Support programmes for family members, partners or friends
• Awareness workshops (schools, colleges & community groups)
• Eating disorder training sessions

What our service users have said …

“Adapt gave my husband and I encouragement and strength to continue to support both our daughters at this very difficult time. We left our information session with hope for both girls and the knowledge that we are not alone. We were able to discuss freely different situations and how best to deal with them.”

“I was advised to seek help from Adapt.  This was the best thing that I have done as it is now leading me onto a road of recovery.  Vanessa at Adapt is very warm and welcoming and full of so much information on how to start feeling better and looking at ways on how to cope with the disorder.  I would highly recommend that if you are suffering, you seek help from Adapt and don’t deal with this alone.  I also attended a poetry evening at Adapt which was very good and a helpful tool.”

“I didn’t know there was support for eating disorders in my area until I called Adapt. Vanessa was able to tell me about the Eating Disorder team and how to access their support. Knowing she was there for guidance and assurance was a great help to me at a very difficult time.”

Read more about AMH Adapt.

For more information or to get support please contact AMH Adapt on 07790885438 or email [email protected].

You can also get more information and updates at www.facebook.com/amhadapt

Action Mental Health’s EVOLVE programme, delivered in partnership with Youth Action, brings together young people aged 18 to 25 to help enhance and develop their confidence, self-esteem and social interaction, through fun activities and accredited training.

EVOLVE’s 2016 programme for young people concluded with a celebration event in AMH New Horizons Antrim. The young people were presented with a photo collage of the activities that they took part in over the last 15 months, a memento of their time on the programme.

John Davis, Service Manager said, “The EVOLVE group of 2016 have stood up to the challenges that were set for them. Each of them have grown in confidence, gained an understanding of their own value and set personal goals to work towards. They have embraced the spirit of the EVOLVE programme.”

Action Mental Health New Horizons Antrim has received a £500 boost thanks to the Asda Foundation’s Chosen by You – Given by Us scheme.

AMH New Horizons, which helps people in Antrim overcome the effects of mental ill-health through a series of health and well-being programmes – as well as providing vocational and employability training – will use the money to purchase musical instruments for its new group music sessions.

“Chosen by You – Given by Us allows shoppers to vote instore for a local organisation to receive a donation”, explained Asda Antrim Community Champion, Barbara Logan. “Our customers love getting involved with the voting as it gives them an opportunity to make a real difference to an organisation, which directly benefits the local community they live in. The work AMH New Horizons does is incredibly important and it’s a real pleasure to be able to give them this donation from the Asda Foundation.”

John Davis, Service Manager, Action Mental Health said, “We are very proud of the work we do in breaking down the stigma associated with mental ill health and remain committed to ensuring that our service users are provided with the best possible support. The donation from the Asda Foundation will enable us to continue this work – in particular our new recreational group music sessions. A big thank you to Asda and Barbara for supporting us and championing the work we do!”

Wilson Nesbitt Solicitors in Bangor have raised £1,500 for Action Mental Health.

The money was raised via a charity competition run with conveyancing clients. Explaining why he chose AMH to receive this donation Gary Adair, Wilson Nesbitt said, “Through my work in mental health law I regularly get to see first-hand the great work carried out by Action Mental Health. I am delighted to be able to make this donation to help Action Mental Health continue their work to improve the quality of life and the employability of people with mental health needs or a learning disability in Northern Ireland.”

Accepting the cheque for £1,500, Callum Clark, Fundraising & Events Officer, AMH said, “We are very appreciative of this donation from Wilson Nesbitt, the money raised will go towards improving the lives of people with mental ill-health across Northern Ireland.”