Action Mental Health’s Chief Executive David Babington has been appointed as a member of an important new body designed to influence the shape of Belfast’s future.

Mr Babington joins other leaders from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors, to advocate their views and to influence and advise the city’s Community Planning Partnership in taking forward Belfast’s long term strategy for the future – the Belfast Agenda, and the community planning process in Belfast. 

The sectoral advisory panel was initiated by Belfast City Council in late 2019 and plans to enhance participation of the community, voluntary and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors in community planning. It will also play a key role in shaping how people are engaged n future city plans for delivering better services and improving citizen well-being.

Sitting alongside the panel is a wider network of organisations from across the city’s VCSE sectors and key to the panel’s work is improving communication and providing feedback to this network on panel activity, achievements, and impact.

Chair of the panel, Irene Sherry from Ashton Community Trust said,

“We are all looking forward to the challenges ahead as we bring our experience of working with people and communities to the heart of decision making in this city. There is an opportunity for the community planning partnership to build on the great work that took place in recent months as neighbours, families and communities reconnected during difficult times.

“As we emerge from COVID 19, we want to build on the cross sectoral working that we have all committed to over the last number of months. We want to maintain this momentum and will be meeting over the summer to ensure that the voice of communities shape this city’s recovery and beyond.”

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Christina Black said,

“We recognise the vital role that community and voluntary organisations play in city life, and this has been very much evident over recent months in responding to the Covid-19 crisis in neighbourhoods across the city. As we look ahead to rebuilding and recovery of our economy and communities over the coming years, strengthening representation and participation from the third sector in community planning is vital to strengthening collaboration, and to ensure that voices of our communities are heard.

We look forward to working with the Panel, and strengthening connections with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors in delivering the Belfast Agenda through community planning.”

The complete list of panel members, along with information on how to sign up to the citywide VCSE network can be accessed at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/vcse

“It’s hard to believe that a few short months ago and a world away from here, I knew nothing of coronavirus, lockdowns or social distancing. Another thing I knew nothing about was Zoom.  Zoom, for the uninitiated, is the platform of choice for many of those who wish to meet-up and chat online. All kinds of activities are being hosted as the lockdown continues, and organisations like Action Mental Health are bridging the distance between New Horizons services and its clients. You are probably already familiar with Zoom, as many TV shows have been using the technology for years: you know the sort of thing, lots of boxes on a screen, each with a talking head inside. It can look a lot like Celebrity Squares, if anybody is old enough to remember that – Bob Monkhouse, with a grand handcuffed to his wrist! If you haven’t used it yet, you might be wondering what it’s like, so here are a few thoughts on how I have found using it in the sessions on offer at AMH.

“In order to participate in the sessions, you need a device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop etc, a connection to the internet and an email address. Once you have these, it’s as simple as clicking on a link, sent to you by the session host, which takes you to the virtual meeting area. Before entering the virtual meeting area, you will be asked if you wish to connect with video and audio, so you choose your preferred options and it is as easy as that – you are into your session. Simple right? Ah, hell NO! Far from it, because on choosing video and audio all of a sudden there are people looking at me, in my parlour and there’s me with my double chin and thick neck in among them, looking back. Now, I’m new to New Horizons, having joined just as the lockdown began, so I don’t know anybody and I don’t know how to behave. I’m awkward in real life and have been being coached out of the house by a wee Occupational Therapist for years, and now suddenly I’ve got five people in ma front room with me! I wave and say “hello” and my session mates wave back; I’m struck dumb. The session host chats with some of the other participants. I look at myself – I can’t stop looking at myself. Is my nose really that bulbous? Have I shaved? Have I got a handlebar moustache? Can they see that pile of washing in the background? Can they see up my nose if I lean forward? On and on I picked myself to pieces. Everybody seemed so relaxed with it. Am I a freak? Have all these people been doing this for years and I didn’t know? I mumble something in response to a question directed at me, my heart racing. Oh God, let this be over soon. Forty agonising minutes later, my first Zoom session ends.

“Now, you might think that the story would end there, given my allergic reaction to my first session. But no, and for a couple of reasons, but primarily because, in this time of Covid-19, I was left with little alternative so I went back on again – and again and again. Slowly, I started to warm to the experience and I even found a voice and started joining in discussions.  I stopped worrying about the pile of washing in the background and obsessing about my online appearance. I would even go as far as saying I started to enjoy the different sessions I attended. I even started to look forward to them, in fact they kind of became the highlight of my lockdown.  So, if you have been toying with the idea of joining in the Zoom sessions hosted by AMH, give it a go.  Don’t expect to feel 100% comfortable with it straight away, but hang in there – who knows, you just might enjoy it.“

The client author of this personal ‘Zoom’ story, attends New Horizons Belfast, which will return from the annual summer holidays on July 27, offering a blended services.

The AMH New Horizons activities the client participates in are operated through the “Working it Out” project, which 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.

This summer AMH New Life Counselling have host of different types of sessions which have been adapted to be delivered via Zoom!

There are also two new Therapy at Home sessions from our Family Therapy team

please get in touch if you are interested – or read more about AMH New Life Counselling here!

AMH New Life Counselling is an Organisational Member of BACP and adheres to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

Keep learning to help your children’s well-being

As Action Mental Health focuses on parenting as part of the #CovidWellbeingNI campaign and the benefits of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, we’re urging mums and dads to encourage their children to keep learning, as we emerge from the lockdown – and beyond.

Keep Learning

It can be daunting learning something new, especially in these uncertain times when we lack structure and routine in many areas of life. But, as we all know, variety is the spice of life. If your children keep learning new things, or find a new hobby they’ll feel more confident, they’ll have something new to enjoy and it will boost their self-esteem and improve their overall well-being.

There is a whole host of opportunities out there to try, whether learning a new language (try Duolingo app for free and fun language practice); learning to cook, (try BBC Good Food’s recipes); delving into the myriad free podcasts available; or by developing a consistent reading habit (try World Book Online’s 3000 free ebooks and audiobooks or libraries NI); or learning the fundamentals of a new physical hobby, like yoga.

The Mental Health Foundation also encourages us to learn on a number of other fronts:

Learn to control what can be controlled – there are a lot of things you can’t control that cause fear and anxiety – but there are some things you can manage or plan for. Having an action plan for managing things we might find difficult can help.  

Learn to pace yourself – recognising that we need to go at the right pace is important. Don’t let others bully or pressure you into doing things you don’t want to – but try not to let that be an excuse not to push yourself, especially when it comes to reconnecting with friends safely, outside your home, when rules allow and the time is also right for you. It can be hard to let others move forward without you – maybe your child wants to see friends or needs to return to work, but you can’t. It’s important to discuss concerns with those close to you, but also to allow other people space to move at their own pace.   

Learn to build up tolerance – try doing something that challenges you every day, or every few days. Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t go well but keep at it. Keep a note of things you’ve achieved, enjoyed or surprised yourself doing.  

Learn to vary your routines – try and vary your routines so that you see different people and encounter different situations

Learn to cope with uncertainty – there has been a lot of talk of a ‘new normal’ – but normal is changing and uncertainty, and managing risk, is going to be the reality for the foreseeable future. This is not something that’s comfortable for many of us, particularly when we’re only just about coping with our mental health. The ‘new normal’ for most of us will mean ‘what we need to get through today, or this week’ – it’s going to be very difficult to predict what the course of the rest of the year will look like, and with so much of the media talking about possibilities and stages without certainty, it’s easy to get caught up in ‘what-ifs’. 

It can help to focus on the things we have learned and achieved in the last few months.  

Most of us have been tested in ways we never imagined, have passed those tests and found new ways to manage – or even flourish. For many of us lockdown has challenged our values and what is important to us. The life, values, and attitudes we had in early March might not be the ones we want to return to in July, and there may be opportunities for us to make positive changes in our lives as well. 

Read more at amh.org.uk/ or vist the hub here: https://covidwellbeingni.info/, you can also visit The Mental Health Foundation here, and also the NHS here.

We all know the old adage, ‘it’s better to give than to receive,’ but did you realise that altruistic gesture not only benefits others, it is also good for you.

As Action Mental Health this week focuses on parenting as part of the #CovidWellbeingNI campaign and the benefits of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, we’re urging mums and dads to encourage their children to give to others, as we emerge from the lockdown – and beyond.

Giving is good for the community, for individuals and for you. Likewise, by encouraging your children to give of themselves and of their time to help others, you’ll be leading them down a path that has been proven to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Increase self-esteem
• Lower levels of depression
• Lower stress levels
• Lead to longer life
• Lead to greater happiness

The Mental Health Foundation cites research that has shown that people who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their well-being and happiness. They may even live longer. Kindness can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional well-being, so there’s no greater example to set your children than to encourage them to adopt this type of approach to life.

Giving of yourself and your time can be difficult in life, especially with conflicting daily stresses in our busy lives – not to mention the current coronavirus pandemic. It can therefore be difficult to commit to volunteer your time, or give back to your community. But the research has shown the if we take the time to be kind to other people – whatever way we give of ourselves, we can reap emotional dividends. It can really make a difference and especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.   

The coronavirus has led to something of a kindness revolution and it would certainly be beneficial for society as a whole if, once the pandemic is over, we could count increased kindness among the myriad effects the crisis leaves us with.

The Mental Health Foundation proposes that now is the time to re-imagine a more giving and kinder society that better protects our mental health.  

This new approach could be built into business decisions, government policy and official systems in a way that supports everyone’s mental health and also reduces discrimination and inequality.

The Foundation has compiled an inspiring and helpful guide to show the positive impact helping others can have on our own mental health. Read more here.

As Action Mental Health continues to focus on parenting as part of the #CovidWellbeingNI campaign, while promoting benefits of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, we’re urging mums and dads to encourage their children to take notice as we emerge from the lockdown – and beyond.

But what does it mean? Taking notice is a way of improving your mental wellbeing wherever you may be, right now. It means consciously bringing our mind’s attention and interest to the world around us and ourselves; what is going on externally to us and what is happening within us.

Taking notice means being present in the moment; observing what’s beautiful or unusual in the world. It means being aware of our thoughts and feelings as they arise, without getting lost in them. It means savouring the moment, learning a new skill, being thoughtful, attentive and appreciative of our actions.

Reduces worry, anxiety and depression

Numerous studies have shown that focusing too much on past events and worrying about the future can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Obsessing about what’s past and what’s yet to come is strongly linked with common mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression.

Why not open the conversation with your children about the benefits of Taking Notice, which can aid self awareness and promotepositive behaviour. Taking notice of the world around us can be something that we do during our everyday life. The key to taking notice is to be aware of what you’re doing, and trying to engage with it. Unlike, for example being active, taking notice is much more of a mental activity.

Taking Notice in your everyday life:

• walk around your neighbourhood
• spend time surrounded by nature
• try to see things with ‘new eyes’
• look for beauty in the unexpected: look out for colours, textures, shapes, reflections in water, shadows. Look down, look up, and look along
• get creative and take pictures

Taking Notice through Mindfulness

According to the New Economics Foundation, which devised the Five Ways of Wellbeing – which includes Taking Notice – mindfulness can prevent depression. It can also promote positive mental states; can help to self-regulate behaviour and heighten self-knowledge.

Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.

“It’s easy to stop noticing the world around us. It’s also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living ‘in our heads’ – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour,” he says.

“It’s about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.

“Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful,” he said.

Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way to prevent depression in people who have had three or more bouts in the past.

Read more about mindfulness here and read about the number of mindfulness apps for children here.

Clients at Action Mental Health in Co Fermanagh are better connected during the continued phase of social distancing thanks to the generosity of a local charitable trust.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh has been selected to receive a grant of £2500 to purchase 20 tablets for clients to enable them to connect with the charity’s support workers and pursue their vocational and recreational activities online. The grant was conferred through the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation.

Like much of the population, clients have been undertaking their courses and activities online since the lockdown began in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

A spokesperson for the Trust stated: “I am pleased to inform you that the trustees have decided to make a grant to you for £2,500 towards the purchase of 20 tablets, providing vocational and employment training for people with mental health needs and learning disabilities in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.”

Service Manager at AMH New Horizons Fermanagh, Caroline Ferguson was delighted to receive the grant.

“At no other time have our services been so needed within the community, to ensure that our clients feel that they are connected with their key workers and with each other. The restrictions of social distancing means staff and clients are not currently meeting at our branch in Drumcoo, Enniskillen, where clients would normally attend, so this means a great deal to all of us are we are very grateful.”

AMH New Horizons activities are operated through the “Working it Out” project, which 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 AMH New Horizons activities the client participates in are operated through the “Working it Out” project, which 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.

Keeping active helps support and promote good mental health and well-being. The benefits of exercise are well documented, with physical activity playing a huge role in keeping people’s minds healthy. On top of the advantages it offers our bodies, exercise also helps reduce stress and clear the mind.

As Action Mental Health this week focuses on parenting as part of the #CovidWellbeingNI campaign and the benefits of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, we’re urging mums and dads to encourage their children to keep active as we emerge from the lockdown – and beyond.

Adhering to social distancing guidelines, you can keep active whether by walking, running, cycling or by home workouts on YouTube. Even swimmers, who have to wait until August before they can take the plunge in swimming pools, are returning to the seas around our coast for their daily exercise.

The research proves it – exercise is good for you

People who exercise regularly often experience greater levels of well-being. Research has shown improvements in people suffering mild to moderate depression and that exercise is as effective as taking antidepressant medication – but without the side effects.

A recent study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. In addition to relieving depression symptoms, research also shows that maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing.

Exercise changes the brain in way that promotes feelings of calm and well-being, releases endorphins which energise your spirits and make you feel good. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.

Exercise is also a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins. Anything that gets you moving can help, but you’ll get a bigger benefit if you pay attention instead of zoning out.

Activity also helps relieve the physical symptoms of stress which can place a heavy burden of tension across your face, neck, and shoulders, leaving you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches. You may feel a tightness in your chest, a pounding pulse, or muscle cramps. You may also experience problems such as insomnia, heartburn, stomach ache, diarrhoea, or frequent urination. The worry and discomfort of all these physical symptoms can in turn lead to even more stress, creating a vicious cycle between your mind and body.

Regular exercise also aids:

• Higher levels of energy during the day and better sleep at night
• Sharper memories, greater positivity and feelings of being more relaxed and promotes higher self-esteem
• Mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication—but without the side-effects
• Stronger resilience against unhealthy coping mechanisms like resorting to alcohol or drugs or other negative behaviours
• Stronger immune system

Other physical benefits of regular exercise include slashing the risks of getting certain diseases, up to:

• 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• 50% lower risk of colon cancer
• 20% lower risk of breast cancer
• 30% lower risk of early death
• 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
• 68% lower risk of hip fracture
• 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
• 30% lower risk of depression
• 30% lower risk of dementia

For more information read The Help Guide’s helpful advice here