Action Mental Health’s Jonathan Smyth has written an insightful blog for the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), as it launches its in-depth review of mental health statistics in Northern Ireland.

Data makes the difference.

Action Mental Health very much welcomes OSR’s work in this vital area and as an organisation, AMH has long campaigned for better mental health services in Northern Ireland. Alongside partners in the sector, a key part of our campaigning included calls to produce a fully costed and properly resourced mental health strategy that would deliver real change for people in Northern Ireland. We were the only region of the UK without such a strategy despite being the region with the most need, something borne out by the fact that we have the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK.

In June 2021 then, we very much welcomed the announcement by Northern Ireland’s Health Minister – Robin Swann, MLAof Northern Ireland’s first ever Mental Health Strategy, a ten-year vision that outlines three key themes encompassing 35 actions, as well as recognising the need to invest £1.2bn over the life time of the strategy to deliver its recommendations.

In addition to the new strategy, we very much welcome OSR’s in-depth review of mental health statistics in Northern Ireland, which has confirmed that existing statistics do not meet current user needs and sets out expectations in this area to make real change.

Across the many discussions and interactions, we have had, and continue to have with other mental health campaigners and professionals, one of the key things we hear is frustration at the lack of robust data and statistics around mental health and mental health service delivery in Northern Ireland. Given the obvious pressures on the health budget due to Covid it is vital that precious investment is not wasted and unfocused due to incomplete or false data.

We hear regularly from professionals about the challenges they face in navigating Northern Ireland’s fragmented services, which are often entirely different from area to area, or maybe they are simply described differently depending on postcode.

We’re also aware of the impact this has on our clients and the confusion and frustration it causes as they have to re-tell their story to many different healthcare professionals.

With this differentiation in service delivery comes issues with data collection – there is very little standardisation of data, across what is such a relatively small area, both in terms of geography and population. How then do we plan for better services and better outcomes if we don’t know what we are comparing from area to area? As an organisation trying to develop innovative new projects it is frustrating that there is no easily accessible source of data to ensure our valuable resources are properly focused on client need.

The lack of robust statistics in such a complex area can also present challenges in the digital age when misinformation can be spread so easily. Being able to vigorously challenge potentially damaging or worrying claims with evidence based, factual information is vital to protect public confidence and support public health messaging.

Our anecdotal evidence is supported by the findings of the newly published OSR (Office for Statistics Regulation) review of Northern Ireland’s mental health statistics which found:

•             The scarcity of robust mental health data in Northern Ireland has hindered the development of statistics and led to significant data gaps.

•             The lack of regional standardisation and a fragmented technology infrastructure has led to poor data quality, with limited consistency or comparability across the region.

•             Users find it difficult to locate official statistics across a dispersed landscape. Data accessibility could be improved.

In many ways these issues will be a fundamental challenge to the successful delivery of the new Mental Health Strategy. We need timely and robust data to underpin everything we do.

As that famous old business consultancy cliché goes:

“What gets measured gets done”

We have a unique opportunity with the new strategy in Northern Ireland to change how we support those with mental health issues, and robust and reliable data that targets investment and ensures better outcomes must be our goal.

You can find out more about OSR’s work and download the report on OSR’s website.

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Most children have been back at school by now and are getting used to the routine of the school day. But for those who have found it difficult, Action Mental Health’s MensSana teams – which specialise in mental health and well-being programmes for children and young people – have devised a host of strategies to help ease the back-to-the-classroom stress.

Pebble in my pocket – find two similar pebbles or crystals. You keep one in your pocket and your child keeps the other in their pocket. Any time they feel a little nervous or are missing you they give it a little squeeze. It is a very concrete reminder of their connection to you.

Hug Button – Draw a little heart on your wrist and one on theirs, near their pulse point (they can keep it hidden under their school jumper). If they are missing you all they have to do is press it to send you a hug. They will feel their pulse like a little reassuring heartbeat when they touch their wrist. Let them know that you will press your hug button if you are missing them.

Exercise – the benefits of exercise are consideration to our mental well-being. Do whatever it is you love, whether it’s running, walking, boxing, yoga, rugby or swimming. Sports also improve sleep and social skills.

Curiosity – Going to school in a new building, with new people can be a time for apprehension but also great excitement. The possibilities are endless, so encourage your child to be open to new experiences.

Self-compassion – learn to be kind to yourself and to treat yourself like you would do a good friend. If you make a mistake, go easy on yourself and realise that we are all human – we all experience the same things. If you feel nervous you can guarantee other people do too.

Capitalise on specific skills – everyone has a unique set of skills. Some of us are creative, others more analytical, some sporty, others have the gift of the gab.  It is up to each of us to figure out our passions and strengths and build on these. This has a knock on effect on our well-being by helping us to see how amazing we are.

Help others, especially strangers – being kind helps us to feel good.  If you see someone at school who seems lost or uncertain, reach out and see if you can offer some help.

Think about the things that you can control – including what you talk about, how kind you are, how much effort you put in, who you hang out with and your priorities. Some things are beyond our control especially when it comes to other people –  so focus on what you can control

Sleep – getting get enough sleep helps us to learn better, concentrate and focus and helps us process thoughts and feelings. So make sure you are getting all devices switched off at a reasonable time and set an alarm.

Mindfulness and breathing exercises – download apps to listen to, even in short bursts throughout your day, while you brush your teeth, while you take a shower, when you are on the bus or going between classes. Mindfulness means paying attention to your senses and your breath – it doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged with eyes closed. You can incorporate it into your day in other ways, too by mindful walking, art or journaling.

Plan ahead – make sure your uniform is set out and prepare your bag the night before.

Growth mindset – remember you can do difficult things. You might not do them well at first, but we all have to start somewhere. By persevering and learning from our mistakes we hone our skills, so feel the fear and do it anyway. Believe in yourself and you can’t go wrong!

Remember, the most important thing for children during difficult times is having ‘one good adult’ in their lives – someone they can rely on to be a calm reassuring presence. This is a very strong protective factor for our children’s well-being.

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.

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

As Action Mental Health marks World Mental Health Day on October 10^th, 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 can register for a fundraising pack by clicking here.

Your support will also help raise vital funds to support our 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.

A recent survey has shown that mental health issues are 25% higher among children and young people in Northern Ireland than other parts of the UK. Action Mental Health is working hard to tackle these issues.

To help us achieve our mission to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being, we depend a great deal on campaigning, raising awareness and fundraising.

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 well as raising funds we want you to engage with us by Going Purple: by hosting a purple party, and ask guests to donate to take part; walk a purple mile, for example walking a mile a day for a week, wearing something purple and ask friends, family or colleagues to sponsor you; or have a purple tea break by having a purple-themed break – with purple food and drink, and ask participants for a donation. 

Fundraising packs and all the details you will need to set up a Just Giving Page to support your fundraising efforts, are available by contacting [email protected] or by registering on Eventbrite

AMH BOOST clients focussed on their well-being over the summer months by embracing the great outdoors in Fermanagh; activities ranged from – Hydro Bikes on Lough Erne, Archery at Corralea Activity Centre, practicing their golfing skills at the local driving range, enjoying a relaxing boat trip out to Devenish Island and a mountain biking activity! AMH BOOST clients also enjoyed walking in some of the local scenic walks; Florencecourt National Trust Estate, Necarne Country Park, and orienteering at Castle Archdale Country Park.

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There is a saying that tells us ‘we can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails’. And as our children and young people return to school, college and university, following unprecedented times of upheaval, this is a good adage to heed.

Tension and stress might be high for many heading back to the classroom. If your child or loved one is feeling apprehensive about resuming face-to-face teaching, consider the Seven Cs to help them rally the storm.

1. Conversation: talk about the return to school. Acknowledge any concerns or worries they may have but don’t forget to highlight the positives. Emotions are complex and giving your child a safe space to talk is important.
2. Connection: hold hands and hug your child and remember that their connection with you is the most important factor in the successful return to school. And just as friendships are crucial for everyone, children will thrive with the social interaction and play with their friends.
3. Calm: try to be a model of calm for your children. They are like sponges and look to the adults in their lives to learn how to respond to difficulties, so if you feel anxious you need to deal with that, whether by working on self-care, like meditation, exercise, or other healthy means of finding your own calm.
4. Coping: feeling worried, nervous and frightened from time to time is entirely normal and you can help your child overcome their fears by relaying a time when you felt the same way and how you overcame it. You can use your example as an opportunity to talk about coping strategies, like hobbies, breathing exercises, getting out into nature and exercising. Action Mental Health MensSana teams also promote useful methods to help children cope, like Grounding Techniques. See more here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=astL21_lN10
5. Changes: when you consider everything that mightchange for your child at school, it’s useful to help your child write a list, to help prepare them for what lies ahead, including changes to the usual school day due to the continuing pandemic, like more handwashing; new routes and signs to allow children to observe social distancing; staggered arrival, departure and break times; changes to PE and games routines, plus increased outdoor learning.
6. Check in and monitor progress: without incessantly asking your child ‘how was your day?’ Instead, asking things like ‘tell me three good things that happened today’ while you are carrying out an activity is a great way of helping your child to open up.  
7. Celebrate success: praising successful coping strategies and behaviours is so important and leads to more of the same.

Find out more ways of supporting your child’s mental health and wellbeing by visiting

www.amh.org.uk and also The Covid Wellbeing Hub, which is packed full of useful resources and sources of support: https://covidwellbeingni.info/index.html