The Together For You partners were out in force on Saturday (10^th October) raising awareness of ‘Dignity in Mental Health’ as part of World Mental Health Day in the Maiden City of L/Derry.  It was also an opportunity to celebrate the fact that they have reached over 30,000 people across Northern Ireland with mental health services. Together For You is a mental health and wellbeing project funded by the Big Lottery Fund. 

Hundreds of shoppers and passers-by stopped to have a cup of tea and a natter with the team of volunteers, helped to decorate the ‘Ship called Dignity’, supported by the Community Arts Partnership, and were entertained by Face painters, dancers from Echo Echo Dance, laughter yoga from the Sunshine Project and singers from the excellent Encore Contemporary Choir.  

The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, Alderman Thomas Kerrigan came down to support the event, and local MP Mark Durkan also popped down to see some of the activity taking place.

Throughout the day, we took a short poll of passers-by.  Out of the 62 people questioned, over 43% had accessed mental health support services for themselves or a friend or relative.  Many people (over 50%) admitted to having had or still to have problems with anxiety, stress and depression. However it was fantastic to see that over 80% felt comfortable talking about their mental health, and also a similar number who said they would visit their GP or talk to a friend or relative if they were worried about their mental health. 

The team at Together For For were also celebrating the fact that they had reached over 30,000 people across Northern Ireland since the launch of the project on World Mental Health Day in 2013. Amanda Jones, Project Manager explains,

“The success of this event today in Derry/Londonderry builds on the success of the project as a whole.  Reaching over 30,000 people in Northern Ireland is a fantastic achievement for the partners of Together For You.  It also means that over 30,000 are more likely to talk about their mental health to others, to seek help when they suffer mental Ill-health and to contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental ill-health. Today in Guildhall Square we built on that growing momentum with a fantastic promotional event. Thank you to all who came to visit us”.

For further information on Together For You visit www.togetherforyou.org.uk

Nearly 300 cycling enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland put their endurance skills to the test by competing in the famous, not-to-be-missed Granite Challenge to raise funds for charity.

It was hard to believe it was the 4th October with the Mournes looking spectacular in the sunshine, and many cyclists still in their summer gear!  The long distance cycle marked the start of World Mental Health week, with proceeds going towards, Action Mental Health (AMH).

The money raised will enable AMH to provide life-changing services to help those living with a mental illness to recover from its effects through reskilling, employment, support and advice.

Supported by cycling club, La Lanterne Rouge, the brave participants were put through their paces by embarking on a 55 mile cycling route that started at AMH’s New Horizons Service in Downpatrick, through the scenic surroundings of the Mournes and Spelga Dam, before returning back home via Bryansford, Maghera and Clough.

Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, David Babington speaking before the event said:

“Research has shown that exercise plays a vital role in combating mental illness, which a staggering one in five people in Northern Ireland has at one stage suffered from (Public Health Agency, 2014).

“We at AMH can’t think of a better way to kickstart World Mental Health Week than with a high endurance challenge that epitomises how determination, motivation and peer support can help to achieve something truly remarkable, despite the physical and mental barriers along the way.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved in helping us organise this incredible event and wish all the best of luck to those participating.”

With the now famous homemade traybakes a welcome sight at the top of Spelga, cyclists were also treated to homemade broth back in Downpatrick, there was also the added benefit of a soothing sports massage at the finish line for competitors, kindly provided by North Down Physio and Sports Injury Clinic.

Thanks to all those to took part and to all our volunteers and sponsors – looking forward to next year all ready – remember to keep the first Sunday in October free!!

More Photos available on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AMHevents

Local Derry Man, James Goligher took on the challenge of an Ironman and raised a staggering £3,000 for Action Mental Health.

The Ironman consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bicycle ride and a 26.2 mile marathon. James raised the fantastic amount through sponsorship and a fundraising event.

Well done James and thank you for helping us to Take Action on Mental Health!