Someone who’s lonely probably also finds it hard to reach out. There’s a stigma surrounding loneliness, and people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride. But it’s important to remember loneliness can – and does – affect anyone, of any age.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, we are sharing some ideas of things you can do to help tackle loneliness.
Smile, even if it feels hard – Grab every chance to smile at others or begin a conversation – for instance, with the cashier at the shop or the person next to you in the GP waiting room. If you’re shy or not sure what to say, try asking people about themselves.
Invite friends for tea – If you’re feeling down and alone, it’s tempting to think nobody wants to visit you. But often friends, family and neighbours will appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend some time with you.
Keep in touch by phone – Having a chat with a friend or relative over the phone can be the next best thing to being with them.
Learn to love computers – If your friends and family live far away, a good way to stay in touch is by using a computer or tablet. Libraries and community centres often hold regular training courses to learn basic computer skills – as well as being a good place to meet and spend time with others in their own right.
Get involved in local community activities – These will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you’ll have access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and faith groups.
Fill your diary – It can help you feel less lonely if you plan the week ahead and put things in your diary to look forward to each day, such as a walk in the park or going to a local coffee shop, library, sports centre or cinema.
Get out and about – Don’t wait for people to come and see you, travel to visit them.
Help others – Use the knowledge and experience you have gained to give something back to your community.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a special week-long event designed to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and to inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all.
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, set by the Mental Health Foundation, is the experience of loneliness, its effect on our mental health and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.
It is important that we raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it. Reducing loneliness is a major step towards a mentally healthy society. Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health in the Pandemic research has found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. The Foundation has been tracking loneliness levels in the UK during the pandemic and found the experience has been much higher with devastating impact. Loneliness has been an important factor contributing to higher levels of distress, resulting from people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others. Further polling also found that loneliness was one of the leading issues that the public felt needed to be addressed.
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.
Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.”
David Babington Chief Executive of Action Mental Health added:
“Action Mental Health warmly welcomes this year’s focus on combating loneliness to help aid better mental health. For many years Action Mental Health’s services, across Northern Ireland, have provided a constant source of support to our clients, many of whom have told us that they would otherwise face isolation.
The impact of the pandemic has undoubtedly increased challenges for people right across society, with many people cut off from their traditional support networks. I am delighted that Action Mental Health has been able to maintain support and contact, right throughout the pandemic for our clients.”
Throughout the week, AMH will offer a comprehensive package of tips, advice and help to those experiencing loneliness, so that they can help to support their mental health and wellbeing.
The annual Open College Network Northern Ireland ‘Learning Endeavour Awards’ will take place ‘virtually’ via OCN’s social media channels on April 27th at 11.30am.
Huge congratulations to all the nominees.
We are particularly thrilled to see several of our wonderful clients nominated in the ‘Third Sector Learner of the Year’ and ‘Health & Well-being Learner of the Year’ categories.
Good luck to everyone for tomorrow’s awards.
To find out more about the awards and to see the full list of nominees, please visit:
Clients complete OCN NI accredited courses whilst taking part in the “Working it Out” project.
The “Working it Out” project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.
Whilst Action Mental Health’s offices are now closed for Easter (re-opening 25th April), our team continues to provide help and support to clients who need us, at this time, right across Northern Ireland.
If you are in crisis please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or by Textphone on 18001 0808 808 8000, trained counsellors are available by phone 24/7.
You can also access support by contacting Samaritans on 116 123 or Childline on 0800 1111.
If you would like to find out about our counselling services and how to access counselling in the future, or make a referral, you can do so by clicking here and we will respond when we re-open.
You can also find lots more helpful information on ways to support your mental well-being throughout this website.
This morning Graham Warke, Mayor from Derry & Strabane District Council visited AMH New Horizons Foyle, meeting clients/staff and heard all about the ‘Knit for Ukraine’ project.
Throughout March clients attending AMH Foyle began re purposing knitted squares used for their 2021 Christmas tree, into hats for children and young people fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine.
Pauline Flanagan, Service Manager said “we soon ran out of squares and appealed to the Community to donate wool to keep us knitting” This was picked up by BBC Radio Foyle, BBC NI News and local Derry newspapers, the word then spread quickly across all social media platforms. Wool began to arrive from all parts across NI, including knitting groups and individuals all coming on board to knit for the project.
Along with baby hats the Foyle Clients have now added comfort Teddies and Derry Dudes to their repertoire.
The comfort Teddies and Derry Dudes have today been gifted to Mayor Warke in preparation for the Derry and Strabane Council’s welcome reception to be hosted at the Guildhall for the Ukraine families arriving.
Glenn Carlin from the Foyle Advisory Group stated “It is our wish that a ‘Derry Dude or comfort Teddy would be given to every Ukraine child that arrives in the City.
Every stitch knitted is with Ukraine in mind, knitting is a very therapeutic mindful activity and is especially beneficial for improved wellbeing especially when knitting for such a worthy heart felt cause such as this. This City has had its own adversities and people know only too well the negative impact this war will have on mental health and the long lasting legacy this conflict will leave for many generations to come.
We hope this gift will bring comfort in some small way to families who arrive to our lovely City.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said: “In a City renowned for the warmth of its welcome I am delighted to see projects such as this preparing the way for Ukrainian families who are really missing the comfort of home. I am happy to receive this donation of comfort teddies from AMH New Horizons Foyle, this is such a heartwarming project created by this talented group.”
AMH New Horizons support the recovery of adults experiencing mental ill health who are interested in progressing towards further education, training or employment. Clients take part in a range of courses, from therapeutic classes like arts and crafts, to accredited training and work placements through the “Working it Out” project. Working it Out is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.
The “Working it Out” project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.
Pictured with Jonny Smyth, AMH Head of Communications & Fundraising, Belfast Giants defenceman Kevin Raine takes on the role of Ambassador for Action Mental.
A Belfast Giant is taking a giant leap with Action Mental Health to help open up the conversation surrounding mental health by becoming a charity ambassador.
AMH’s newest supporter, Kevin Raine, has already shaved his head to raise thousands for the charity’s wide range of mental health initiatives for people of all ages across Northern Ireland. Now, the 29-year-old Canadian, who calls Belfast a second home, hopes to help spark important conversations around mental ill-health, in a bid to encourage people to speak up and seek support when they need it.
Commenting on the launch of the partnership with Action Mental Health, Kevin said: “I’m proud to develop my relationship with Action Mental Health. Since a young age I’ve struggled with my mental health. Prior to seeking help, I spent years of my life in my own isolation. I was convinced that seeking help was something I should be ashamed of and was in denial of my own pain.
“Finding inspiration in those sharing their own truths, I have since created a shift in my perspective. I no longer believe that to struggle means to be weak. Through teamwork and accountability, I’ve seen such a positive shift in my own personal growth. Having witnessed first-hand the impact this organisation has; I hope to inspire others that may benefit or find inspiration from my story to perhaps find the courage to follow my lead.”
Kevin, a native of Ontario Canada, has played with the Belfast Giants for four seasons and last September, he shaved his head in a brave fundraising effort for Action Mental Health. The event raised over £5,500, funds which directly benefit AMH’s diverse range of initiatives serving people of all ages across Northern Ireland.
Steve Thornton, head of hockey for the Belfast Giants added: “Kevin has been a hugely positive role model for our fans and has shown great courage and strength of character in opening up about his own struggles with mental health. We’re proud to support his new role as an ambassador for AMH, which will spark discussion and dialogue that will make a difference to the lives of local people living with mental health challenges.”
Action Mental Health’s Head of Communications and Fundraising, Jonathan Smyth welcomed Kevin into the AMH family:“We are so delighted to have Kevin on board as a committed supporter, whose efforts havealready raised a significant amount of money for the charity, to bolster its diverse servicesfor people from childhood to old age here in Northern Ireland. We now look forward toworking with Kevin on lots of other projects, we hope his sporting profile will help to raise
awareness of positive mental health and help break down enduring stigmas, that can still
often prevent people seeking the help they need.”
Kevin is also the founder of Personal Best, a lifestyle brand that offers guidance, mentorship, exercise programming, and encouragement to individuals pursuing their very own Personal Best. Through Personal Best, Kevin has released a YouTube video series, featuring a range of interviews discussing mental health, with guests spanning from his own mother to teammates, mental health professionals, and more. The series also led to invitations for guest appearances on similar channels, all in the effort to spread positivity throughout all sections of society.
“I founded Personal Best with the concept that our greatest competition lies within, and that by focussing on ourselves while accessing appropriate support, we can reach our greatest potential,” explains Kevin. “As I continue to navigate my own challenges with mental health, I hope that sharing my journey will have a positive impact on those that are in a similar position. The support I have sought out, combined with my own accountability, has helped me to learn and progress. I hope that by encouraging openness, kindness, and compassion, we can both seek and offer support when times get tough.
Find Kevin on Instagram, @kevinraine and find out more about Personal Best, including Kevin’s interview series at: www.personalbesthockey.com/advocacy
A Co Antrim man is celebrating his 65th birthday by setting himself the mammoth challenge of running 600 marathons in 600 weeks!
Eugene Winters – known as Oggie – will commence his amazing feat of endurance with the Belfast Marathon after turning a milestone 65 on May 1st this year.
The loyal supporter of Action Mental Health has already run 300 marathons in 300 weeks, when he was 55, finishing that challenge ahead of his deadline, at 270 weeks.
Some of Oggie’s highlights include running 85 marathons in 2014, 61 in 2015 and a massive 95 in 2016. The remarkable runner has completed all the ‘Marathon Majors’ – the London, Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo marathons. He twice ran 10 marathons in 10 days and also took part in the Hell of the Hill Endurance event which involves running five of the toughest marathons in the UK, in five days. He’s also been a regular ‘back to back’, ‘treble’ and ‘quad’ runner, meaning running marathons two, three & four days in a row. In 2016 he successfully ran the Victoria Park endurance event in Belfast, running 100 miles in 24 hours.
Eugene is a member of several elite marathon clubs around the world including the Marathon Globetrotters, Marathon Club Ireland, the 100 Marathon Club, UK and the Super Marathon Club, Italy. His best time was the Newry marathon, which he finished in an impressive 3 hours 37 minutes.
Describing his achievement Oggie said: “It was very tough going at times, and I struggled to complete some of the marathons. I ran through injury at a few events and I had to rely on my own mental strength and toughness to get me through.
“I hope that my efforts will maybe inspire other people to go out and do something active. I firmly believe exercising and keeping active can help not just our physical health but our mental health too. “When I had completed the 300 marathons in 270 weeks, beating my own challenge of 300 weeks I thought what better way to celebrate than to donate some money to Action Mental Health, to help support the vital work they do across Northern Ireland.”
Jonathan Smyth, Head of Communications & Fundraising, Action Mental Health said: “Oggie got in touch with us again to let us know about his new personal challenge and we are absolutely thrilled to have his support and generosity once again. Oggie has pledged to donate £1,000 to support our vital mental health services, when he completes his challenge. We know that running and all physical activity is a great way of supporting your mental health, so we are particularly delighted to be the beneficiary of this amazing challenge and wish Oggie well.”
We are proud to announce a special collaboration between Belleek Pottery and Action Mental Health.
Looking for ways to raise much needed funds for this amazing charity, Belleek Pottery and Action Mental Health launched a design competition in 2021 to allow AMH Clients to express their mental health issues through art. The aim was to design a decal that will be applied and fired onto a Belleek Mug. We received many beautiful entries and after careful consideration from the selection panel, including guest judge, artist and designer Terry Bradley, Zoe’s Rainbow Mug was selected to go into production and offered for sale with 20% of the proceeds of the Rainbow Mug will go to Action Mental Health.
The winner, Zoe, described her design;
‘I made this design on my tablet because I was inspired by the theme of HOPE. When I think of hope, I think of rainbows which are a lovely symbol for healing and recovery. I have struggled with Mental Health issues from a young age and the most important thing I have learnt on my journey is that healing is not linear. For me and many others healing is an everyday process, some days are much harder than others. Drawing and connecting with others at AMH has helped me rediscover
HOPE. We have survived the most difficult days. You will be okay.’
Guest judge, Terry Bradley commented: ‘Zoe’s description of how healing is not linear perfectly fits her quote of ‘You will be ok’. Terry also told us: ‘This is honest and makes you smile. It is a positive affirmation during times when anyone is struggling and the rainbow and bright image acts as a reminder of the beautiful things in life.’
Recently, Belleek Pottery welcomed Zoe, along with representatives from Action Mental Health to celebrate the launch of her mug. Zoe got to see the production process and even got to apply one of her very own decals.
Tom Magee, Skills Coach, AMH – who accompanied Zoe on her tour.
The Rainbow Mug is now available to purchase at Belleek Pottery, all Belleek Living Stores and www.belleek.com.
To purchase your mug(s) –click here or call into your local Belleek Living Store.
