All posts by actionmentalhealth

AMH News, Testimonials

Texthelp Job Shadow Day

Peter McAlernon, is one of our “Working it Out” clients currently attending AMH New Horizons in Antrim.

Recently Peter had the good fortune to work at Texthelp for the day. Texthelp have been supporting AMH by providing Job Share opportunities for our clients.  Texthelp is a computer software company based in Antrim and is the leading provider of assistive software to both the education and corporate markets worldwide. They create support technologies that enable young people and adults to read and write with confidence and independence.

Peter has a wonderful day and “was very interactive, extremely intelligent and full of chat and life! We were sorry to see 5pm as we had a great day working with him!”

Many thanks to Texthelp for their continued support, we really appreciate it, as do our clients.

Well done to Peter – great job!

The “Working it Out” Project with is part-funded by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

http://www.texthelp.com
AMH News

Welcoming Dutch visitors at NH Downpatrick

Last week Action Mental Health New Horizons Downpatrick welcomed staff and clients from Kwintes in the Netherlands – it’s the eleventh year we’ve hosted a group from Kwintes Guidance and Relief!

While staying in Killough, they’ve been out and about taking in all the wonderful sights  NI has to offer. Of course, they needed to call in and see their friends at NH Downpatrick. We spent time touring our garden, the garden centre and staff and clients sat down with a cuppa to properly welcome our guests. It was particularly interesting sharing ideas and creative new ways we each support our clients in our organisations.

Kwintes provides supported housing and holiday packages for people suffering from mental ill-health in the Netherlands – you can find out more on their website.

Thank you for taking the time to come out and see us! We look forward to catching up with you next year!

AMH News

Titanic Hotel Belfast sails into second year of promoting well-being with Action Mental Health

 

Titanic Hotel Belfast has made smooth sailing of its partnership with Action Mental Health in the past year, recently sealing a deal for a second consecutive year of helping the charity support the emotional well-being of its employees and the local community.

The landmark hotel enjoyed a successful first year in partnership with AMH, undertaking myriad fundraising events and raising awareness – despite a busy calendar of events following its opening in 2017.

Staff powered full steam ahead with their charity efforts and raised an outstanding £3,000 as a result. But keen to do even more they decided to keep up their support for Action Mental Health into a second year and have much more planned to do that.

The second year of fundraising got underway with a coffee morning in May to mark the annual Mental Health Awareness Week, and they have many more exciting plans in the pipeline for the rest of the year.

AMH News

Greenfingers from Danske Bank at NH Downpatrick

Wonderful staff from our corporate partner Danske Bank came out to AMH New Horizons Downpatrick’s garden centre to give it a summer spruce. Our potting shed was beautifully re-stained, the grass bank cut back and our polytunnel was given the weeding of its’ life. The gang from Killeaton House were fantastic -racing to see who could weed and strim the fastest. They were so competitive that they barely stopped to have a proper tea break!

Thank you again for coming folks!

Danske Bank has been our Corporate Partner since 2016. Their fundraising supports our Healthy Me programme in schools across Northern Ireland.

AMH News

Tiernan triumphs on two-tiered trek across the emerald isle

A 23-year old man who travelled the length of Ireland to raise money for charity has donated a portion of the spoils of his mammoth effort to Action Mental Health.

Tiernan McGowan went on a 355-miles cycle ride and run between Ireland’s most southerly and northerly points – Mizen in County Cork to Malin, Donegal, raising well over £5000 according to the last count. Newry’s Southern Area Hospice will also benefit from Tiernan’s amazing feat of fundraising.

The Queen’s University Belfast graduate revealed his expedition was inspired by the hospice’s  tender care of his granny and an uncle.

Tiernan, who studied Spanish and Portuguese, got a great chance to see the country en route, while also experiencing legendary homespun generosity.

“There was one point where I was coming up this big hill outside Dromore in Tyrone, this woman just stopped at the side of the road, thinking I had a flat tyre, and offered to help me out. But she got chatting to me and ended up giving money to the fundraiser. She didn’t have a clue who I was but she was kind enough to give me money for this,” he said.

It wasn’t an easy ride though and he admitted to a number of physical and mental barriers during his arduous journey.

“On the fourth day I had 125km to do that day and about an hour in my knee kind of went, but I kept going, got over the border to Fermanagh and it started getting really bad but I just pushed through and went over the border.

“A lot of it was about the mental aspect, just knowing you have to keep going and keep planning it thinking at each stage it’s just another little bit to the next one. If I’m doing it again I’ll give myself about three weeks through!’”

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager Jonathan Smyth was delighted to hear the charity is set to benefit from the proceeds.

“We’d like to thank Tiernan for his epic efforts and for donating funds to AMH. It’s people like him who help us continue in our mission to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being.”

AMH News

AMH toasts NI’s generosity as the 2019 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon fund continues to rise!

The generosity of the people of Northern Ireland has tipped the funds raised for Action Mental Health through the 2019 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon to over £60,000.

Participants’ sponsorship money has brought the total raised to support Action Mental Health’s services to £60,652.20 – but money continues to trickle in so we’re still counting – and we’re ever so grateful!

The generosity of the people of Northern Ireland has tipped the funds raised for Action Mental Health through the 2019 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon to over £60,000.

Participants’ sponsorship money has brought the total raised to support Action Mental Health’s services to £60,652.20 – but money continues to trickle in so we’re still counting.

Around 18,000 people took part in the five different events of the 38th annual event on Sunday, May 5th, including the full marathon, the wheelchair race, team relay, walk and fun run. Some 5,000 took part in the full marathon, marking record numbers for the event which began in Belfast in 1982.

Around 500 people donned AMH colours for the event, raising funds for Action Mental Health which was one of five designated charity partners – and the amount raised so far has the charity glowing with appreciation, knowing the impact that these vital funds will have.

Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington has been overjoyed by the support shown in its first marathon charity designation.

“Action Mental Health was lucky enough to clinch one of the five designated charity spots of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2019 and because of that opportunity, a staggering amount has been raised to help fund vital mental health services provided by Action Mental Health.

“Over £60,000 has been raised so far by the generous people of Northern Ireland who have once again dug deep to support us – be they individuals, community groups, our faithful corporate partners and other businesses who selected Action Mental Health as the recipient of their marathon efforts in both physical and fundraising terms.

“We are indebted to each and every one of them, and we also want to place on record our deep appreciation to Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon which opened the door to such a great opportunity, not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of mental health in Northern Ireland.”

Around 18,000 people took part in the five different events of the 38th annual event on Sunday, May 5th, including the full marathon, the wheelchair race, team relay, walk and fun run. Some 5,000 took part in the full marathon, marking record numbers for the event which began in Belfast in 1982.

Around 500 people donned AMH colours for the event, raising funds for Action Mental Health which was one of five designated charity partners – and the amount raised so far has the charity glowing with appreciation, knowing the impact that these vital funds will have.

Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington has been overjoyed by the support shown in its first marathon charity designation.

“Action Mental Health was lucky enough to clinch one of the five designated charity spots of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2019 and because of that opportunity, a staggering amount has been raised to help fund vital mental health services provided by Action Mental Health.

“Over £60,000 has been raised so far by the generous people of Northern Ireland who have once again dug deep to support us – be they individuals, community groups, our faithful corporate partners and other businesses who selected Action Mental Health as the recipient of their marathon efforts in both physical and fundraising terms.

“We are indebted to each and every one of them, and we also want to place on record our deep appreciation to Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon which opened the door to such a great opportunity, not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of mental health in Northern Ireland.”

 

AMH News, Testimonials

Patricia felt like an empty shell but thanks to New Horizons she is soaring high helping others

Patricia (right), with Wendy McDowell, Admin Services Manager at the South Eastern Trust

My name is Patricia and I am fifty eight years old. I am married with three grown up sons whom I adore and have such a rewarding relationships with all three. I first realised I had depression just after the birth of my first son. It took on a life of its own and I ended up unable to cope. I can best describe myself as being a nutshell – only when you open it there is nothing inside. The shell appears fine, as I kept my appearance well, through makeup and hair to perfection. But this was a mask which prevented people asking questions. Eventually, through time, my shell eventually cracked and I fell completely apart.

My depression at that time can best be described as an ocean and it behaved in the very same way: it can be serene and ebbing calm but sadly it can also be very turbulent crashing against life. I was in hospital a few times, including the day hospital. Approximately three years ago I was advised to join AMH to help me with my confidence and social skills. I was very reluctant, but I did, and I must confess I had no inkling as to the gravity that AMH could help to bring me, in terms of commitment, calmness and confidence, as well as belief in myself and in life.

I have completed many courses through AMH. The two most inspiring courses for me were Drama and NVQ Health & Social Care. My tutors were so patient, inspiring and believed in me, no matter what I said or did. They listened and offered help wherever possible and always had my back. They encouraged me throughout and offered all the guidance necessary to complete the course.  One of the good things was if I was having a bad day they always made time to listen.

You become the centre of AMH and they will focus on that – nothing else. If anyone should ask which course is best, my advice is try something you know you wouldn’t normally do. I did that with Drama and can honestly say it was so involving, funny, thought-provoking and rewarding. I could easily fill this entire page with the positives of the course and I always dreaded the class ending.  But as for advice? Try as many courses as you can get. It may seem too much at times but you will find you can manage it. And the friendships that form between the various classes are sincere and worth investing in.

I am proud to say, having gained my confidence, I am now volunteering with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust as a meeter/greeter based in Downe Hospital.  I go there every week and enjoy knowing that I am helping others as well as building on my own personal skills.

I totally enjoyed my time at AMH – in fact I would return in a blink. I gained a confidence that I am still finding out about.  My advice: do only what you can.  In time, you will see how doing other courses alongside is always beneficial to your personal development needs.

If I was able to dedicate awards I would give each and everyone in AMH an award for helping, guiding, encouraging and believing in me when I needed it most.  I want to say a big thank you to every member of staff.

Patricia took part in the Working it Out Project which is part-funded by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

 

https://www.amh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DFE-ESF-Colour-jpeg-300x59.jpg

Patricia

AMH News, Testimonials

A lost individual no more

As we bid farewell to one of our clients, David James, he reflects on his time with Action Mental Health.

April 26, 2016, morning: an individual who was confident, self-assured, respected and professional. Enjoying life and work.

April 26, 2016, afternoon: a lost individual.

An occurrence on that day (an assault) created someone I did not know, in a strange world. My new self had taken control of the “previous me” and was now looking after “broken me” in a myriad of different ways that I did not know about or had ever experienced.

A process of recovery then begins, although things are too broken to recover, more a process of adaptation to what is left. Part of that adaptation was a recognition that I have to reintegrate into this strange world; become part of it, roll with it, discover it.

New Dave was tentatively introduced to AMH New Horizons in Newtownards.

Originally I wanted to prove to myself that, once again, I could work within a group of people, be part of a collection of folk taking pleasure in an activity in the company of others. A spectrum of activities was offered in a comfortable, friendly environment.

What would I like to do?

What would appeal to me?

Something I knew I was capable of, but had no time to do, was photography and art and I was consequently admitted to the respective classes. After a while I left photography and concentrated on the art class. Every aspect of art was there to choose from; Tiffany Glass, Clay, Oils, Fabrics and Printing, a totally complete array of artistic media.

So I chose to sit and sketch, to see what developed, while enjoying being part of a group once again. I did that for several months developing a talent for soft lead pencil drawing. All the time receiving expert tuition and guidance and a sense of well-being and acceptance from the facility staff. An effortless niceness from reception to management, a pleasure to be part of.

I was given an opportunity to take a qualification in art using Mixed Media (wood, clay, fabric and paint) which evolved into a final piece which described the majority of events and emotions I had experienced since the afternoon of April 26, 2016.  I called it – “A lost individual”.

July 2019. Reintegrating and adapting very nicely, Thank You.

We wish David all the best as he leaves Action Mental Health to start the next part of his journey, thank you for sharing your story.

David took part in the Working it Out Project with is part-funded by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.