International stress awareness week commences today, marking an opportune time for people to take a step back to reflect on the sources of stress in their lives. From November 1^st to 5^th this year’s focus falls on stress management, especially at work and in light of the increase in mental health issues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recent studies have shown that 74% of people are reportedly unable to cope with the levels of stress in their lives, making stress management more important now than ever. The psychological effects of stress result in 61% feeling anxious, and a worrying 32% end up shouldering thoughts of suicide.

Among the most common causes of stress among people of working age is the pressure to succeed. Some 60% of young adults labour under this type of stress, while a sizeable 26% of all adults feel stress by work in general. With such staggering statistics in mind, International Stress Awareness Week is a vital event for us all to recognise, particularly in the workplace where burnout is common.

According to the Health and Safety Executive’s latest findings (2018/19) on stress in the workplace, an estimated 16,000 people in Northern Ireland’s workplaces suffered from stress, anxiety or depression caused or made worse by work. During the same period, it is believed some 373,000 working days were lost to the local economy though associated staff absences.

That’s where Action Mental Health’s specialist service, AMH Works, can step in to help. AMH Works provides quality mental health training programmes for employers to support healthy, resilient workplaces, with a major focus on helping employees manage stress. AMH Works also develops the skills and learning required to effectively manage employee mental well-being in the workplace and delivers mental health training and consultancy services to some of the Top 100 companies in Northern Ireland and the UK including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Allstate NI and Schrader Electronics.

AMH Works has just launched its new Burnout and Rest Programme to combat this far-reaching issue. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic AMH Works have continued to deliver tailored emotional well-being programmes for employees.  During this time the employers AMH Works deals with have noted growing concern regarding the potential for their employees to be impacted by burnout, as the ‘new normal’ becomes a reality. This was confirmed in a recent survey of employees conducted by Mental Health UK, which reported that burnout had increased by 24% in 2020.

The World Health Organisation describes burnout as a psychological syndrome occurring from prolonged chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

Everyone can experience stress or feel overwhelmed at times, burnout mainly strikes people who are highly committed to their work: you can only “burn out” if you have been “alight” in the first place.

An antidote for burnout is rest. It is possible to prevent burnout and the associated health implications by ensuring your staff, and you, prioritise well-being and recognise the importance of rest through the techniques and activities promoted during this programme

The Burnout and Rest Programme covers:

• Understanding burnout, and the importance of rest
• Understanding the stages of burnout and how to take action
• Understanding what we mean by rest and how to implement it in your daily life
• Practice relaxation skills during the session
• How to access relevant sources of support

The Burnout and Rest programme sessions can be delivered face to face or online.

For more information about all that AMH Works has to offer Northern Ireland’s employers and employees, contact Rachael Power [email protected] for information on pricing and availability. For more tips on coping with stress in the workplace plus a host of other mental health issues and news, visit www.amh.org.uk

Clients at Action Mental Health’s recovery service in the north west have been celebrating their successes in the year of the pandemic, achieving a host of brand new qualifications.

Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Foyle has maintained the spotlight on mental health despite the restrictions of the Covid-19 outbreak by supporting clients’ pursuit of a variety of recognised vocational courses.

Action Mental Health has nine New Horizons services across Northern Ireland, offering clients a comprehensive programme of specialist training courses, tailoring programmes to suit individuals’ personal needs.

Clients past and present related their personal journeys through New Horizons, including a number who have progressed on to employment and further training following the achievement of certificates and qualifications.  Some 66 clients received 243 certificates for a variety of vocational, personal development and employability courses.

Colleen Harkin, Assistant Director of Community Adult Mental Health Services, Western Trust, joined the celebrations at AMH New Horizons Foyle this week, praising AMH staff for their hard work in supporting clients throughout a very difficult time.

“AMH’s mission statement, ‘to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being’ was certainly confirmed by the clients who and shared their journeys, reflecting on the positive impact of engaging in a service that provides person centred programmes and demonstrates passion, empowerment, excellence and respect as well as the benefits of peer support,” she said.

Opening the proceedings, AMH New Horizons Foyle’s Service Manager, Pauline Flanagan commented: “What we have selected here as clients’ key achievements are really a summary which will only skim the surface of the many milestones achieved by them, and the day to day work carried out by staff.”

“We would like to thank AMH personnel, senior management, the Board and funders for all their contributions in helping staff on the ground to do their job through this most difficult of times,” she added. “We look forward with confidence in continuing to work together to improve outcomes for local people.”

Guests were treated to a snapshot video diary of recovery programmes engaged in both virtually and face to face during the last year.   Clients’ work, including arts and crafts, was on display, showcasing a diverse range of skills and talents. 

Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, David Babington commented: “I have been particularly conscious of the disproportionate impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on all clients registered with AMH who already face inequalities and barriers in their lives, so I am very impressed by all that has been achieved over the year. Through strong partnership working and effectively listening, AMH staff have been responsive, offering the correct support at the right time, in the right way.”

Clients at AMH New Horizons achieved their certificates through the “Working it Out” project, which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2021, the Department for the Economy and the five Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts.

A group of brave men have had a close shave to support clients of Action Mental Health throughout the Covid pandemic.

Men from Magheraveely Northern Ireland Supporters’ Club in County Fermanagh got their hairy pins out for the charity and shaved their legs to raise a whopping £5500.

The money helped Action Mental Health New Horizons Enniskillen support its clients when Covid-19 struck and the subsequent lockdown temporarily put an end to their usual face-to-face sessions.

The financial gift helped the charity buy IT equipment to keep clients – many of whom live in isolated rural areas – remain connected with their tutors and fellow clients via online chat and similar digital means of communication.

Subsequent lockdowns and social distancing postponed a chance for Action Mental Health to round up the brave men of Magheraveely to pose for a photograph featuring the charity’s fundraising department’s iconic great big cheque and its impressive total.

The men had shaved their legs back in 2020 but when the pandemic struck so soon after, normal procedures – as in so many walks of life – were sent awry.

Service Manager at AMH New Horizons, Caroline Ferguson said it was great to finally get the opportunity to thank the group for getting their razors out to go smooth and silky for the sake of its grateful clients.

“When Covid struck the cheque presentation had to be postponed. But like all our community fundraising last year, the money provided by the charity leg wax was invested in technology to improve client access and address digital poverty,” she said.

“As a result, we were able to support clients via 2496 Zoom sessions, 9281 support phone calls to clients, 2135 texts and 6362 emails.”

Menopause can creep up on women, causing few changes to a women’s physical and mental health. But it can also sweep over others, throwing their lives into disarray, causing a host of wide-ranging symptoms in both body and mind – and lots and lots of sweats.

It is only recently that the vocabulary of menopause has begun to appear in common parlance. For too long there was a culture of silence surrounding such a major life milestone which affects half the world’s population and which causes mental health issues among 86% of menopausal women.

But with initiatives like World Menopause Day, which was founded to raise awareness about the menopause and provide women with support, the real life experience of women from forty plus is finally being discussed in more than whispers.

The experience of no two women going through ‘the change’ is the same. Some can sail through without feeling any significant change, but for some, they can feel crippling symptoms, the worst, most would agree, being anxiety and depression thought to be a result of fluctuating hormones.

From the very outset, it can even be difficult to know if you are going through menopause, especially if you already have irregular periods. During this period – known as perimenopause – the changes can begin to manifest themselves, often over several years, in various degrees of severity, often leaving women confused about what’s happening to them.

According to a survey on perimenopausal symptoms by Healthandher.com 58% of women spoke of experiencing low energy and motivation. Of the poll of 2000 UK women, 53% suffered low mood, 50% experienced depression and anxiety while 42% were affected by anger and mood swings. Startlingly, one in 10 even said they’d had suicidal thoughts.

What it’s all about?

Menopause arrives in women’s lives after their ovaries have stopped producing eggs and as a result, oestrogen levels fall and all the tell-tale symptoms begin, often marked by the end of periods. The end of this stage in a woman’s life then creates a hormone imbalance precipitating the onset of up to thirty symptoms identified by the British Menopause Society, including: hot flushes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, sleeping problems, stress and anxiety, loss of sex drive, night sweats, skin changes, joint aches, low energy, low mood, period changes, brain fog, sensitive bladder, painful sex and headaches.

With all these symptoms, it’s no wonder some women feel like they don’t know whether they’re coming or going or that they’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

Action Mental Health spoke to a number of local women to gauge how menopause affected them.

Danielle, 52, from County Londonderry, said the menopause was a “massive qualify of life issue which is not being recognised enough”.

“So many women in their 50s are still in work and I think there should more encouragement for more wide-ranging menopause policies at work and more understanding and support within the work environment.

“It makes me feel unlike myself, like I’m going mad sometimes. Coping with dark dreams, confusion and the lack of sleep, means I can’t cope with work, or retain information and then I become emotionally unstable. It makes you have concerns about your own sanity and whether or not you have something wrong with you, like dementia, which I often feel like I have with all these symptoms.

“Dealing with changes in your body and not liking what you see, and particularly letting go of that dream of a youthful body, is difficult to cope with, as well as putting weight on in places that no matter what you do, no matter how many times you visit the gym or calories you deny yourself, you just can’t shift!”

Gillian, 56 from Belfast said: “It’s affected my memory and anxiety was a mainstay at around 51 and it took a good six months to sort that out! Fatigue is also a major problem caused by insomnia. Personally, I didn’t chose meds or HRT, but I know many do, with great results.”

Shirley, 52 from Bangor added: “Sex became very painful for me and that caused a fair bit of anxiety but then I went to the doctor and got some treatment and that helped quite a bit. I’ve heard of quite a few friends who have suffered similarly but they haven’t got treatment for it, so I would highly recommend other women seek help for this.”

Lisburn mum of three, Tina, who is 50, commented: “I had such brain fog I felt like I couldn’t think straight but then I went on HRT patches and I feel like a new woman!”

Help is available

Like Tina, who began a course of hormone replacement therapy patches, many women glean a great deal of relief from their symptoms with HRT in its various forms.

Menopause requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and preventing or managing chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Treatments may include: hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen, low-dose antidepressants, medications like Gabapentin or Clonidine – which traditionally treat other issues like seizures and blood pressure – to treat hot flashes, plus a host of other treatments to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

For more on the help available visit the British Menopause Society: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-types-doses-and-regimens/

Further help can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/

Members of Action Mental Health’s Men’s Sheds get crafty as they Connect after Covid

Action Mental Health’s three Men’s Sheds are to benefit from a significant grant, supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council of Northern Ireland, to help the men of the charity in ‘Connecting After Covid’.

Thirty men from the Action Mental Health’s Men’s Sheds – based at AMH New Horizons Antrim, Downpatrick and Fermanagh – will come together to engage in arts programmes, supported by the Arts Council’s Arts and Older People Programme.

The three AMH Men’s Sheds will share £7,737 from the programme which aims to tackle loneliness as well as promoting positive mental health and well-being.

Lorraine Calderwood, Community Arts Development Officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, explained how the Arts and Older People’s Programme is making a difference to the lives of older people across the region:

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Action Mental Health’s Men’s Shed project.  Research has proven that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well assist in relieving stress.  The Arts and Older People Programme is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our older people to take part in arts activities, enriching their lives for the better.  As we emerge from the additional challenges faced by older people as a result of the pandemic, participating in the arts is now more important than ever.

The arts have a vital role to play in helping older people find their voice thus promoting positive physical and mental health.  Thanks to The National Lottery, Public Health Agency and Baring Foundation, the Arts Council is hugely proud to have supported 200 plus projects benefitting older people since the programme began.”

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, was delighted to receive the grant.

“AMH Men’s Sheds are popular venues for support, socialising, learning and leisure. The Sheds provide a space for men to come together, learn new skills and share old skills working together shoulder to shoulder on various projects helping them engage in their community.

“During the pandemic, members from AMH’s three Men’s Sheds around Northern Ireland have had to adjust. This funding gives the shedders the opportunity to come together, learn new skills and build up friendships in Antrim, Downpatrick and Enniskillen sheds. “

Harry Glass, of AMH Men’s Shed, Downpatrick, added: “As lockdown restrictions eased I was nervous about coming back to the shed. This project will give me something to look forward to, learning new skills and re-engaging with all the members again.”

ends

Action Mental Health and its loyal supporters old and new have had a busy week marking World Mental Health Day. Schools, businesses, community groups, individuals and clients who attend AMH services have been Going Purple for Parity. That means they’ve been walking purple miles, holding purple-themed coffee mornings, quizzes, parties and a whole host of activities besides – all to help the charity hammer home its call to Go Purple for Parity.

That campaign call echoes this year’s global theme of WMHD – mental health in an unequal world – with Action Mental Health calling for equality of investment in mental health services in line with that channelled into physical health. That is because for too long, the mental health of Northern Ireland has been underfunded and undervalued. As a neglected ‘Cinderella service’, it has been in the shadows and overlooked.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated a situation in which more people in Northern Ireland already experience 25% greater mental health issues than anywhere else in the United Kingdom and it needs to be urgently addressed.

The support for the Go Purple for Parity campaign not only helps Action Mental Health champion the wider campaign, it also helps the charity raise vital funds to support our own mental health services for local people.

The recently announced Ten-Year Mental Health Strategy, announced by Health Minister Robin Swann, and the appointment of Mental Health Champion are steps in the right direction. However, these initiatives ring hollow if they are not matched by the investment required to bring Northern Ireland’s mental health service up to scratch.

To illustrate the level of mental health issues in Northern Ireland, evidence shows that one in five people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, and half of all these problems start before the age of 14.

Last year our services supported over 30,000 local people through a range of recovery programmes, resilience-building and counselling services, in schools, in businesses and on a one-to-one basis.

As we once again celebrate World Mental Health Day, please join with us in calling for parity for mental health services, so that they are properly funded and resourced in line with physical health and so that the Mental Health Strategy can deliver the positive change we need and that we all want to see.

There’s lots of ways to get involved to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2021.

Fundraise for Action Mental Health

Join AMH’s Mission for Mental Health and Go Purple for Parity.

As Action Mental Health celebrates World Mental Health Day on October 10th, 2021, we are asking schools, businesses, community groups, individual and families to help us Go Purple for Parity – and help Action Mental Health secure parity for mental health in Northern Ireland, in line with physical health.

Your support will also help raise vital funds to support our mental health services for local people.

You can Go Purple lots of ways!

• Wear something Purple – or go all out and have a purple themed day, and ask guests to donate to take part.
• Walk a purple mile – take the opportunity to walk a mile a day for a week, wearing something purple and ask friends, family or colleagues to sponsor you. Walking and exercise has been proven to greatly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
• Have a purple tea break – instead of your regular teabreak, why not have a purple themed break, and ask participants for a donation.
• Doing your own thing – of course you can choose to do whatever suits you or your group.

Thank you to everyone who have already been hard at work fundraising!

AMH Virtual Granite Challenge 1-31 October

Help us celebrate World Mental Health Day (10 October 2021) by clocking up as many miles as you can during the month of October and putting your ‘pedal to the metal‘ in aid of Action Mental Health’s vital mental health services.

REGISTER NOW for only £10.

Everyone who registers will receive one of our unique AMH Cycling Snoods!

This year we are extremely grateful to our friends and long time event supporter, McConvey Cycles, who have sponsored prizes for our participants.

Prizes will be awarded to:

1. Top Male Cyclist (most miles cycled in October 2021)
2. Top Female Cyclist (most miles cycled in October 2021)
3. Top Team (team of 5) – (most accumulated miles cycled in October 2021 by a team of 5)
4. Top Fundraiser in the AMH Virtual Granite Challenge 2021

https://www.amh.org.uk/fundraising/join-our-virtual-granite-challenge-2021/

Campaign for Parity

Join with us in calling for mental health to be funded in line with physical health and for a guarantee that the Mental Health Strategy will be fully funded and implemented.

For too long, the mental health of Northern Ireland has been underfunded and undervalued. As a neglected ‘Cinderella service’, it has been in the shadows and overlooked for too long.

Action Mental Health has long campaigned for a mental health strategy for Northern Ireland and warmly welcomed Minister Swann’s announcement of its launch earlier this year and the appointment of a Mental Health Champion. It is imperative that we now see urgent work across Government to secure the significant investment required to deliver the actions outlined in the strategy. We urgently need to see parity for mental health. Be part of our Go Purple for Parity campaign this year.

Join us by using our Social Media Calendar and Graphics Pack to share the campaign messages or by creating your own content using the hashtags #ParityForMentalHealth #WorldMentalHealthDay #GoPurpleForParity

Click here to find out more and to download our packs.

Action Mental Health Services & Projects’ Calendar of Events

Monday 4 October

AMH New Horizons Newry Canal Clean

AMH Workable team are going on a Big Purple Walk throughout the week

AMH MensSana Regional team are delivering a number of Healthy Me, Little Healthy Me, Provoking Thought and Mindset sessions.

Tuesday 5 October

AMH New Horizons Newry have organised 2 bike rides and a bowls and taster session

AMH New Horizons Newtownards will be celebrating by distributing to their clients a ‘Care & Share’ gift kindly provided by Lidl.

Wednesday 6 October

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh is celebrating its 30 year anniversary and World Mental Health Day with a BBQ – we hope the weather stays fine for them!

Rosie is representing AMH and the Our Generation Project at the opening of a Wellbeing Centre in Lisnaskea where the Children’s Commissioner for Nothern Ireland will be in attendance.

AMH New Horizons Newry are having a Makaton session, model plane making and a session on how to host your own Zoom meetings.

Our Chief Executive, David Babington will be a panel guest at NICON 2021 Parallel Session : Mental Health – New Strategy, New Approaches? 11.20-12.20.

Thursday 7 October

At AMH New Horizons Antrim there will be a Big Purple Quiz and Big Purple Rock and Strollathon as well as some mindfulness

AMH New Horizons Newry have organised Meditation with Maria and Chi Me with Marc on Zoom

Friday 8 October

AMH New Horizons Belfast is holding an online quiz for staff and clients at 10.30am.

AMH New Horizons Downpatrick are holding a quiz and mindfulness session.

AMH New Horizons Antrim are re-launching their client art exhibition with the Mayor in attendance.

AMH New Horizons Newry are having tea, cakes and music.

Sunday 10 October – World Mental Health Day

AMH New Horizons Antrim have arranged for three Civic Buildings to be illuminated in purple.

AMH New Horizons Newry have arranged for Newry Town Hall, Newry Leisure Centre and Downpatrick Leisure Centre to be illuminated in purple.

AMH New Horizons Lisburn have arranged for Lisburn Civic Centre to be illuminated in purple.

AMH New Horizons Newtownards have arranged for the McKee Clock and Newtownards Townhall to be illuminated purple.

AMH New Horizons Foyle have arranged for Derry Playhouse, Derry City Airport, Magee Campus, Council Offices and Ebrington Buildings to be illuminated in purple.

Monday 11 October

AMH New Horizons Craigavon and Banbridge are partners in Southern Area’s Suicide Care Pathway which is launching today

AMH New Horizons Newtownards will be celebrating with ‘Take it easy on yourself: take a seat’. Clients will be provided with a chair to decorate as they see fit and be displayed throughout the week of World Mental Health Day.

Tuesday 12 October

AMH New Horizons Newtownards are going on a fishing trip to celebrate World Mental Health Day

AMH New Horizons Antrim and Men’s Shed Steeple Antrim are hosting a Volunteering Day

Wednesday 13 October

AMH New Horizons Newtownards are going on a fishing trip to celebrate World Mental Health Day