Action Mental Health will, this year, be marking World Mental Health Day amid unusual times, during a global pandemic no one could have foreseen.

This year the theme is – Mental Health for All, Greater Investment, Greater Access.

The crisis has dramatically transformed the way people live and work and has brought the issue of mental health onto centre stage like never before.

Despite the upheaval of the pandemic however, Action Mental Health staff have been working tirelessly to continue supporting its hundreds of clients across Northern Ireland, finding creative solutions to help them through the vocational and therapeutic sessions they are undertaking.

AMH New Horizons staff have introduced blended learning, incorporating face-to-face sessions with online services, even equipping many with tablets to ensure no client was left isolated or without access to the staff they have come to know and trust. Whilst the team at AMH New Life Counselling have continued to provide counselling sessions to clients in a range of innovative ways.

Action Mental Health annually kicks off its comprehensive calendar of events during the week of WMHD day with its eagerly awaited Granite Challenge. But with Covid restrictions limiting numbers this year, it is going DIY – offering participants new and old, advanced and novices alike the chance to take part in 2020. You can cycle for as far as you want in a venue of your choice while raising money to support the vital work of Action Mental Health.

You can read more here and still register by visiting: https://amh.enthuse.com/cf/diy-granite-challenge.

On the activity front, the rescheduled Belfast Castle Abseil is now taking place this week, offering thrill seekers the chance to face their fears by scaling down the iconic city landmark, taking in amazing scenery. Additional measures are in place to keep participants safe and to ensure everyone adheres to current public health guidance.

Around Northern Ireland, a number of other iconic civic buildings will be embracing WMHD day, joining Action Mental Health in Going Purple to support our awareness and fundraising raising efforts.

For our annual #GoPurple event, AMH asks schools, businesses, churches, community groups, sports clubs and individuals to get involved, throughout October, to help raise awareness of positive mental health and also raise vital funds to support our services across Northern Ireland. Demand for our services continues to increase at a time when our fundraising income has been greatly reduced. All support received will make a real difference to local people.

In the North West, the beautiful Guild Hall will join AMH New Horizons Foyle clients who are going purple by illuminating the grand building, alongside the city’s Playhouse, VOID and the Derry City and Strabane District Council offices.

At AMH New Horizons Lisburn, clients will host a Go Purple coffee morning, while at AMH New Horizons Antrim’s behest, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council will also flood its three civic buildings in purple. AMH New Horizons Antrim will also be hosting its annual Art of Recovery art exhibition, featuring the artistry of clients, with the mayor, Councillor Jim Montgomery opening the popular event. The exhibition will run from October 6 to 29 at Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens. Staff at New Horizons Downpatrick will be treating clients to an online quiz, giving them a chance to pit their wits against each other in aid of WMHD.

AMH’s MensSana’s Healthy Me sessions, which promote positive mental health and well-being through interactive sessions at Northern Ireland’s primary schools, will be hosting special zoom sessions for teachers.

Through one-hour webinar sessions teachers will be encouraged to identify issues faced since returning to school from lockdown; raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health and highlight self-care techniques for building resilience and confidence. The sessions will also show how, and where, to access support and further information.

And that’s not all! AMH Works is hosting a Mental Health First Aid networking event to encourage Northern Ireland businesses to adopt and implement the training, which is designed to support employees’ mental health and well-being prior to them seeking specialist medical assistance. The event will feature a fantastic line up of panel members from a range of sectors and participants will have the opportunity to learn about what Mental Health First Aid is, the benefits of implementing it and the barriers organisations may be facing.

AMH Works has also been providing the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) for their ambulance personnel to better equip the frontline staff in circumstances involving people at risk of suicide or in the aftermath.

Our AMH MensSana team will also be hosting ‘Open’ Mindset and Provoking Thought sessions, these are AMH’s positive mental health and well-being promotion programmes designed for young people.

Follow us on social media to find out what else we will be up to!

Action Mental Health’s energetic team of peripatetic skills coaches have given new meaning to ‘relay running’, traversing Northern Ireland, raising awareness and funds as part of AMH’s Virtual Fitness Fundraiser, hosted to celebrate National Fitness Day in September.

The ‘Peripatetic Pacers’ clocked up the miles, running laps between some of Action Mental Health’s services across Northern Ireland – digitally.

The fast-paced gang weren’t content to let the restrictions of the ongoing pandemic stop them, so instead of physically passing the baton to each other, they used some clever artistic licence and a new short film to do so.

The team passed the virtual baton to each other from Downpatrick to Newtownards, Newtownards to Antrim, Derriaghy to Antrim, Antrim to Belfast, Belfast to Craigavon, and back from Craigavon to Derriaghy

The pacers did their laps on roads near AMH services and on treadmills at home, where they have been helping deliver blended services to clients both in the service and via online methods.   

In just a week, the team ran 170 miles, raising £1075 but money is still being counted so if you would like to add to the total please go to their fundraising page:

https://amh.enthuse.com/pf/peripatetic-pavement-pacers

A Glengormley woman who had to shield through the lockdown has revealed how she entertained herself by capturing amazing photos of squirrels, which are helping her to raise money for Action Mental Health!

So popular were Marion Murphy’s pictures of squirrels – posed at miniature props that she set out for them – that she has compiled them into a calendar in aid of the charity.

Marion revealed that at the very start of the pandemic she was in hospital with a bout of pneumonia, so when she returned home, she had to stay at home to stay safe as the coronavirus began to spread around the country.

It was after spotting the squirrels that had been visiting her garden for many years, that she had an idea.

“While I was recovering at home and shielding, I posted photos of the squirrels on Facebook. My cousin sent me a picture of a little picnic bench and said I should get one for them. They were quite expensive, so I found a novelty condiment set for barbecues and used that,” she said.

She added: “The squirrels became very popular with my family and friends on Facebook and many started sharing photos with their friends too. I’ve ended up with hundreds of photos from more than 30 scenarios.

“As quite a few of the scenes were seasonal, I had the idea of creating a calendar and selling copies for charity. I decided on a mental health charity as I believe that no matter what illness anyone has, it can have an adverse impact on the mental health of not only them, but also their families. I’ve chosen Action Mental Health as they do a lot of good work.”

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager Jonathan Smyth praised Marion’s skill at executing such a novel fundraising idea.

“We have had many interesting fundraising ideas over the years from people keen to support the work of Action Mental Health but I can safely say none of them have involved squirrels.

“We are delighted however that Marion kept herself safe and well throughout the lockdown – and her friends entertained at the same time. We are also very impressed with her efforts in creating the calendar, in aid of AMH, and would also like to the thank her cute little subjects for co-operating!”

Copies of the calendar, priced at £7.99 (including postage), can be ordered by emailing Marion at [email protected]

Payment can be made via PayPal or bank transfer. All profits will go to the charity.

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A trailblazing new peacebuilding project aiming to tackle mental health and well-being in children and young people on both sides of the border has been launched.

The EU PEACE IV-funded project, called ‘OUR Generation,’ marked its official launch on 24th September 2020 through a unique virtual event when its objective – Growing Up Better, Together – was unveiled.

Speakers for the launch included Junior Minister Gordon Lyons and Junior Minister Declan Kearney, Gina McIntyre (C.E.O SEUPB), David Babington (C.E.O Action Mental Health), Rosaline Keenan (Senior Manager Service Reform)  and Siobhan O’Neil (Interim Mental Health Champion for NI).

Audience members were able to watch a live online event streamed from Youth Action’s Rainbow Factory Studio hosted by Cool FM’s Curtis McCosh, which featured a special video of children and young people performing The Who’s ‘My Generation’.

OUR Generation is a partnership led by Action Mental Health, funded through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for the project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

The cross-border project will be delivered through education, youth and community settings across the Five Urban Village Areas of Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the aim of building positive relations and emotional resilience in communities impacted by four decades of the Troubles and the legacy of the conflict across the island of Ireland.

The partnership of seven organisations will utilise €6.1M (£5.1M) of EU PEACE IV funding to support communities to tackle post-conflict peace building and mental health over three years.

Joining Action Mental Health are partners Donegal Youth Service, Co-Operation Ireland, Youth Action NI, YouthWork Ireland, PlayBoard NI and Ulster University.

OUR Generation will reach 36,000 children and young people who will engage in programme design and delivery, including provision of peer support, developing skills and confidence to improve well-being within their communities. They will also act as agents of change, building peace for future generations.

Junior Minister Gordon Lyons and Junior Minister Declan Kearney were delighted to be part of this important launch event for the OUR Generation programme, with its combined focus on mental health and peace building.

Junior Minister Gordon Lyons said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people’s mental health is of increasing concern; and today, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, the Government’s Mental Health Champion, has made it quite clear why we need a programme like ‘Our Generation’.

“What is evident today, is the strength of commitment to work with young people to make a difference in their lives. To support them to help each other, building resilience in their young lives and building peace across their communities. I am proud that the Executive is supporting this PEACE IV programme, contributing £629,642 to the initiative while being delivered in Urban Village areas and across the Border Counties.”

Junior Minister Kearney commented: “Poor mental health is a barrier preventing our young people and communities from thriving in a post-conflict society. Too many families are struggling or have already lost loved ones; and we find that some of the highest statistics of this happening are sadly in Urban Village areas.

“This new project will help to support tens of thousands of children and young people in Urban Village areas and border counties, working with them and with existing community programmes in a co-design process. They will use creativity and innovation to encourage more joined-up approaches to reach those most in need and to support peace building.”

Speaking about the project Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands, said: “I want to congratulate the seven regional organisations involved in this cross-border partnership to implement the Our Generation project.   

“It is great to see these organisations working collectively and collaborating in the area of mental health recovery.

“I am confident that this EU PEACE IV funded project will assist large numbers of children and young people as well as their families on both sides of the border.  I am delighted that my Department is an Accountable Department for this funding and we will work with all parties to ensure delivery of this important project. 

I wish all involved every success in the implementation of this project.”

Welcoming the project, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB said: “Unfortunately one of the enduring legacies of the conflict/troubles is intergenerational trauma, which is passed from one generation to the next; preventing young people from reaching their full potential and creating long- lasting mental health problems.

“The Our Generation project will help to change this by building emotional resilience and improving the mental health of tens of thousands of young people, on both sides of the border. Designed by and for them, the project will also encourage greater levels of cross-community contact and intercultural awareness, which will help to build a more peaceful and cohesive society.

“I am delighted that this important work has been supported by the PEACE IV Programme and I wish every success to all those who will become involved. I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing about its development over the coming weeks and months.”

Siobhan O’Neil, Interim Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland added: “I’m delighted to have contributed to the design of this ground-breaking project integrating peacebuilding and emotional wellbeing. Our team at Ulster University are overseeing the delivery of a suite of trauma-informed resilience programmes, to reduce the risk of mental illness later in life. Our vision is that the next generation will be strong resilient and empathic, and in a position to deliver a better Northern Ireland”.

David Babington, CEO of Action Mental Health and Spokesperson for the project said: “We know that the legacy of the troubles has created a very specific set of circumstances, local communities have been impacted in many ways. One of the biggest impacts has been on the mental health and well-being of our population.

“We also know that with the right early intervention with children and young people, we can help to prevent many of these issues developing. That’s why we are absolutely delighted to lead the Our Generation project with our partners.

“We truly believe this ground breaking initiative can create a real and lasting legacy by giving children and young people the skills and confidence they need for positive mental health and resilience and the opportunity to learn and grow together to build peace for the future”

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You can watch the launch here – starting at the 22 minute mark.

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The innovators behind the pioneering new ChatPal app – a chatbot aimed at promoting positive mental health – are today addressing progress and potential new advances in the technology following its launch in August.

ChatPal, a Positive Psychology ChatBot is a new mental health app designed to support users’ mental health and wellbeing. It starts a dialogue with users around how to maintain positive emotions and good physical health and is available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Developed by researchers from Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Ulster University, the app develops relationships, as well as engendering a sense of accomplishment and meaning among users.

 ChatPal is a research project funded by the EU and the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme, of which Action Mental Health is a partner member.

The app was launched early to meet increased demand for mental health assistance, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially among the isolated and people living alone

Today’s developmental workshop focused on tracking users’ experience to aid their successful progress through the App’s many facets, including mood logging, gratitude diaries, goal setting, mindfulness and meditation, self-compassion, physical wellbeing, nutrition and sleep. It also discussed the possibility of adopting the World Health Organisation’s wellbeing scale on suicide prevention.

Learn more about ChatPal here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouaDc2R1FA0#action=share

One of Action Mental Health’s clients at AMH New Horizons Derriaghy is doing it for himself – and for others – in the 2020 DIY Granite Challenge.

Mark Kincaid, who attends the service – which will soon be moving and will be known as AMH New Horizons Lisburn – has embraced the new look cycling challenge which has had to be repackaged due to the ongoing pandemic.

Mark explained why he was raising money for Action Mental Health in the do-it-yourself cycling challenge.

“I suffer from mental health issues, and have done for over 23 years. I also love cycling, so doing this challenge for a mental health charity is a win win for me.

“There are various charities available, if you want to raise money, but AMH holds a special significance, it has been a lifeline for me over the past two years. I can’t thank them enough for giving me a space to feel important and valued, without judgement. 

“I would cycle around the world ten times if it would guarantee I never suffered again. I know it wouldn’t. So instead I’m going to clock as many KMs as possible between 4th – 11th October to help raise much needed funds, so that someone like me can be rescued by AMH.”

You can make a donation to support Mark’s fundraising efforts by visiting his fundraising page – https://amh.enthuse.com/pf/mark-kincaid

To join Mark in this year’s DIY Granite Challenge by REGISTERING to take part. You’ll be raising funds to help support Action Mental Health’s vital services across Northern Ireland and also getting active to support your own mental health.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE OR REGISTER.

Clients at New Horizons Newry have been using pedal power to challenge themselves ahead of National Fitness Day on Wednesday, September 23. A number of cyclists took to the trails to complete an impressive 24-mile cycle from Newry to Scarva and back, enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors.

The group bike ride was part of a series of activities undertaken by the New Horizons gang which also included running, walking and swimming. Collectively, they clocked up a whopping 1000 miles. They cycled under sunny skies and had so much fun en route that they might even get on their bikes again to aim for 2000 miles!

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AMH New Horizons supports the recovery of adults experiencing mental ill health and provides a comprehensive programme of specialist training in personal development, vocational skills and employability. Clients take part in the ‘Working it Out’ project which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy and the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.