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AMH News

Beat the “January Blues”!

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It may have been the season of goodwill, but the festive season is accompanied by a variety of stress factors, including alcohol, changed sleep patterns, increased debts and family conflicts. Losses during the year, be it the death of a loved one or economic setbacks, are also experienced more acutely during this time.

After the rush of the holidays, January can be a difficult month. The festivities have ended; its cold and a long wait until pay day. It is little wonder that Monday 21st January has been adopted as “the gloomiest day of the year.”

For many already living with mental health issues, the season of goodwill may have been a far cry from the ideal of family gatherings overflowing with gifts. The problems are far more serious and distressing, and January can be a very isolating period haunted by disappointment, anxiety, sadness, depression or even suicidal thoughts.

At this time of year, we all need to talk more than ever.

It is important for individuals to acknowledge the difficulties during this period and seek professional help with severe ‘January blues’ when needed. However, staying active and not isolated, reducing alcohol consumption and being aware and mindful of difficult family dynamics can lessen the blues.

There are also a few simple steps that can help minimise the risk of mental health issues arising this January:

Beware of drinking to excess

  • Remember that alcohol is a depressant and can worsen the symptoms of depression
  • If you are worried about being alone, find out what is going on in your local community or join a local group
  • See whether there is a good time to visit friends or relatives
  • Sharing your feelings with others, such as friends and family members, who can help you identify and work through any emotional challenges you may be experiencing.
  • Regular physical activity has been shown to have antidepressant effects in people with mild to moderate depression
  • Do not be afraid to seek professional help

 

 

 

AMH News

Law Society NI’s Charity of the Year

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The President of the Law Society NI, Michael Robinson has nominated Action Mental Health as his Charity for 2013.

President of the Law Society; Michael Robinson and David Babington; Chief Executive AMH

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, said he was delighted to accept the honour on behalf of the charities’ staff and clients;

 “We are very pleased that the Law Society has chosen to focus on and support mental health and well-being in 2013 and we are delighted to be named as their Charity of the Year.  Our team in AMH will be working alongside the Society to organise and support a number of fundraising activities and events.  We also hope to run a number of joint initiatives with to raise awareness, tackle stigma and promote positive mental health.”

Commenting the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Mr Michael Robinson said;

“The Law Society of Northern Ireland is delighted to be working in partnership with Action Mental Health as our chosen charity of the year. We look forward supporting AMH to raise much needed funds to support the invaluable work which they undertake”.

 

AMH News, Events

Shine A Light Campaign

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Shining a Light on Mental Illness this Christmas

David Babington and Billy Kohner of AMH are joined by Pat Ramsey MLA, Sue Ramsey MLA and Speaker of the Assembly; William Hay MLA

The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission and its charity of the year – Action Mental Health (AMH), helped to “Shine a light on mental illness” this Christmas.

“The Shine a Light” Campaign was launched by William Hay MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, on World Mental Health Day in October.  Since then, hundreds of lights have been sponsored, by members of the public as well as those working in Parliament Buildings.  Following the Assembly’s annual Christmas Carol Service at Parliament Buildings today, Assembly staff and MLAs gathered to place the lights along the grounds in front

of the building, each light symbolising a Christmas message of support and hope to those living with mental ill health.

Speaker of the Assembly said: “Today’s event is a culmination of the hard work of Action Mental Health staff to raise funds for this very important cause.  As the Assembly Commission’s charity of the year, I am delighted that AMH has raised awareness of the ‘Shine a Light’ campaign here at the grounds of Stormont Estate. Today’s gathering and the laying of the lights in front of the building is a wonderful symbol of AMH’s dedication to helping those living with mental illness and ties in so well with the Assembly’s commitment as well.”  

Paul McAlea and Libby McCord from AMH New Horizons Downpatrick who raised £425 for the Shine a Light Campaign

AMH’s Chief Executive, David Babington said: “Many of you will be looking forward to celebrating the festivities with your friends and family. However, for some people experiencing mental health problems, Christmas is often a time when they feel more isolated and stigmatised than ever.

“During the Assembly’s Christmas recess, the lights will remain in front of Parliament Buildings. It’s quite likely that one day you, one of your friends, colleagues or family members will experience a mental health problem and it is often the simple things that you do which can make a real difference. This campaign is urging all of just to take a moment to think about those who are ill and offer our support. By seeing the lights over the Christmas period, perhaps we can encourage some to seek help and others to offer help”.

After the Carol Concert in the Great Hall, those who had sponsored a light made their way outside to “plant” their lights in the Stormont grounds

You can still donate to the Shine a Light Campaign, http://www.justgiving.com/Action-Mental-Health.  The money raised will enable Action Mental Health to provide services and support to thousands of local people, living with mental illness.  AMH helps their clients on the road to recovery and to build positive and meaningful futures.

More Photos can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.523455657673887.123484.189840137702109&type=1&l=6f46fb766b

AMH News, Events

Christmas Carol Concert

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The Law Society of Northern Ireland – Pro Bono Christmas Concert supporting AMH as their Charity of the Year

On Tuesday the 11th December the Church of St George in High Street, Belfast was alive with the sound of music as The Law Society Choir – “The Pro Bonos” – presented their service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The concert was followed by a retiring collection for Action Mental Health, the charity chosen by The President, Mr Michael Robinson as his charity for 2013, with many generous envelopes collected by AMH staff in their “Santa Sacks!”

An after party and supper was held in The Ivory Bar and Restaurant at Victoria Square where David Babington, Chief Executive of AMH helped to pick the raffle tickets and deliver

some early Christmas presents to the lucky winners.  A very generous total of £2,005.32 was raised on the night and will be used by AMH in their programmes to enhance the quality of life and employability of people with mental health needs or a learning disability.

AMH staff and clients would like to thank everyone who took part in the event and we look forward to confirming a programme of activities including fundraising events throughout our year as the

Law Society’s charity in 2013, which is also the charity’s 50th birthday year.

AMH’s Joanna Miskelly meets Fr Eugene O’Hagan one of the singing Priests!

 

Guests at the after party in The Ivory Restaurant
AMH News

Merry Christmas from Fermanagh!

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AMH New Horizons Fermanagh kicked off their Christmas Festivities with the lighting up of Northern Ireland’s most unique Christmas tree – a spectacular 8ft tall, hand knitted craft extravaganza . The service which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year created the breathtaking Christmas tree  as a symbol of positive Mental Health and emotional well being. The tree which was handcrafted  by clients in the Multi skills department in New Horizons Fermanagh is created from knitted squares with each square representing every client which New Horizons Fermanagh has supported over the past 20 years. Following the Christmas festivities the tree will be dismantled with all the knitted squares being used to produce baby blankets for the Smile Foundation which supports babies in the orphanages in Romania.

Speaking at the event, Caroline Ferguson, service manager said

“Christmas time is a challenging time for a lot of people,and we want to use this opportunity to get a very positive message out to the community about the strong support services which are available to people who are struggling with Mental health issues and poor emotional well being. This has been a difficult time in our local community and its important that people know that help and support is available”.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh can be contacted on 02866323630.

AMH News

Work Connect Launch

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Stephen Matthews, Cedar Foundation; David Babington, AMH and Dr Stephen Farry MLA

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, today formally launched a new disability employment programme entitled Work Connect.

Work Connect is a specifically tailored disability employment programme designed to target some of the most disadvantaged clients currently receiving Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and help them secure work.

The Minister said:

“Work Connect will support people with a diverse range of health conditions and disabilities through a variety of individually tailored interventions that will enhance their skills to progress into employment. The real strength of the programme is the individually tailored and specialist support based on each client’s specific needs.”

The support on offer through Work Connect is enhanced by the wide range of quality specialist disability provision which is available through the respective organisations who have come together now as the new consortium, Supported Employment Solutions.

The Work Connect programme, offers an individually tailored programme providing pre-employment and short-term in-work support, as well as specific help with confidence building, job searching, motivation, work experience and short training personal development needs.

The Minister continued:

 “The introduction of Work Connect is an excellent opportunity for our front line staff to build very positive working relationships with the respective organisations within Supported Employment Solutions. I know this work has already started and today is another opportunity for ideas to be shared with each other.”

The programme, which will offer individually tailored pre-employment and short-term in-work support, will be delivered by Supported Employment Solutions (SES), a consortium of seven specialist disability organisations.

Representatives from each of the SES member organisations at the launch

The organisations who make up the consortium are: Action Mental Health (AMH), The Cedar Foundation (Cedar), Mencap, NOW, The Orchardville Society, RNIB (NI) and Action on Hearing Loss.

Speaking at the launch in Belfast, David Babington (CEO AMH) and Stephen Mathews (CEO Cedar) commented:

“SES is pleased to be working in partnership with the Department for Employment and Learning in supporting people with disabilities and health conditions to find and sustain employment through Work Connect. We believe that SES represents an important step forward in how organisations work together in providing the best possible supported employment services for people with disabilities.”

The launch was attended by a range of Employment Service staff and representatives from the Supported Employment Solutions consortium as well as some local employers.

shine a light campaign photo
AMH News

Shine a Light on Mental Illness

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shine a light campaign photoThe NI Assembly and their charity of the year – Action Mental Health (AMH), will be helping to “Shine a light on mental illness” in the run-up to Christmas.

“Many of you will already be looking forward to celebrating the festivities with your friends and family.

However, for some people experiencing mental health problems, Christmas is often a time when they feel more isolated and stigmatised than ever,”

explained AMH’s Chief Executive, David Babington.

“During the Assembly’s Christmas recess, AMH and the Assembly will be attempting to light up the tree-lined Prince of Wales Avenue, the mile between Parliament Buildings and the front gates of Stormont Estate.  We are asking everyone to send out a message of support to those living with mental illness by sponsoring a light.   It’s quite likely that one day you, one of your friends, colleagues or family members will experience a mental health problem and it is often the simple things that you do which can make a real difference.  This campaign is urging all of just to take a moment to think about those who are ill and offer our support. By seeing the lights over the Christmas period, perhaps we can encourage some to seek help and others to offer help”. 

Lights are now on sale, from the Assembly shop in Parliament Buildings or from AMH or via our Just Giving Page. On the 13th December you are invited to the Carol Concert in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings 12.30pm.  Afterwards you can join the MLAs, Assembly staff, and AMH, in the grounds of Stormont when we will light up the mile.

For more details contact Callum Clark [email protected] 02891828494 or Gavin McConvey [email protected] 02844613791 or you can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/Action-Mental-Health

Audience at the Harbour Commissioners Office event
Events

Building Resilience in the Workplace

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Audience at the Harbour Commissioners Office eventThis year Action Mental Health held their Tughan Employment Conference – Building Resilience in the Workplace – at The Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Office on 21st November 2012.

Mental health is the most important aspect to a person’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Without good mental health and the tools and skills to maintain it, the pressures of everyday life will take their toll on even the strongest person.

AMH’s Chief Executive David Babington explained,

“Stress and depression are at the highest levels they have ever been, and this is causing huge problems both to individual employees and the organisations they work for. Last year alone, mental health cost the Northern Ireland Economy £790 million. Mental health problems cost the NHS £3 billion in total, which was more than any other illness. Mental health problems are also one of the largest contributing factors to long term absenteeism and long term presenteeism. Many individuals and organisations are facing uncertainty, job cuts and a period of great change, and against this background, keeping people engaged and performing well, can seem like an uphill battle.”

This year the key note speaker was Professor Derek Mowbray.  Derek is a Chartered Psychologist and Chartered Scientist, with a doctorate in the psychology of leadership. He specialises in the primary prevention of psychological distress at work, with a focus on promoting wellbeing and performance. Speaking ahead of the conference Professor Mowbray said,

“Resilience is the ability to cope with extreme stress-provoking events without experiencing any personal stress signs or symptoms. Resilience is not fixed in individuals. While we have a natural predisposition to draw on different areas of our personality for resilience, it is also something that can be developed. In turn, the links between resilience, morale and engagement mean that developing resilience gives us a way of realising the individual and organisational benefits that high levels of morale can achieve. Corporate resilience is essential for businesses and services to survive and grow. To strengthen corporate resilience requires strengthening the resilience of the workforce, together with ensuring the cultural environment for the workforce clearly links the wellbeing of individuals to their performance and the performance of the organisation as a whole”.

Also joining us from London was the CIPD’s Jonny Gifford. Johnny joined the CIPD in London as Research Adviser in 2012. His research covers a number of aspects of employment relations, people management and organisational development.

Our Conference Chair was BBC’s Mark Sidebottom and Special Guest Speaker was Dr Stephen Farry MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning.

The event finished with an insightful panel discussion and the audience were also treated to a session of Laughter Yoga!

You can view Dr Stephen Farry’s speech on our YouTube channel: