10 September 2019  – World Suicide Prevention Day, a day marked annually to raise awareness that suicide is preventable. It aims to foster greater awareness, education and progressive ways on tackling suicide and to challenge the stigma surrounding the tragic subject.

World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on 10 September, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It’s an opportunity, to showcase the host of programmes and projects Action Mental Health provides in the area of mental ill health prevention, education, suicide/self-harm prevention and early intervention.

AMH Works provides quality Mental Health training programmes for employers to support healthy, resilient workplaces.  AMH Works also develops the skills and learning required to effectively manage employee mental well-being in the workplace.

AMH MensSana supports all ages in the area of mental health and emotional well-being through a range of activities tailored to suit group needs. AMH MensSana operates across the whole of Northern Ireland.

In partnership with PIPS Hope & Support, AMH MensSana operate the Southern Area Protect Life Resource Service, here to help you regarding suicide and self-harm prevention and mental health promotion.

AMH everyBody aims to promote greater understanding and awareness of eating disorders. We have adopted a recovery approach to provide help and support to people with eating disorders and also to their friends and family. AMH everyBODY, is also part of the Southern Area Protect Life Forum.

Just one of the many programmes promoted by Action Mental Health  – Safetalk will prepare you to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Find out more on our service pages.

Suicide Prevention Strategy for Northern Ireland Unveiled

On Tuesday10 September the Department of Health unveiled the Protect Life 2 Strategy to reduce rate of suicide in NI by 10%. This long-delayed strategy is welcomed cautiously by Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington.

Read BBC’s report here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49639583

Listen to David Babington on Good Morning Ulster

On Tuesday 10 October, AMH’s CEO David Babington spoke on Good Morning Ulster, responding to the unveiling of Protect Life 2 by the Department of Health.

Listen from 2hrs 14min here

AMH’s Southern MensSana Team’s Protect Life Resource Service Campaign

Catch our team on our social media channels or watch them all in one place here

AMH’s Southern MensSana Team is at Tesco Rushmere, Craigavon talking suicide prevention and our Protect Life project

Southern MensSana provides this alongside PIPs

Pop in to Tesco Rushmere at Craigavon to chat to our Southern Area MensSana team who deliver our suicide prevention project Protect Life with @PipsCharity #SuicidePreventionDay #TakingActionOnMentalHealth pic.twitter.com/TkWV4dpe6O

— Action Mental Health (@amhNI) September 10, 2019

AMH New Horizons Foyle is at the launch of Elephant Talk at Western Health and Social Care Trust

#ElephantTalk launch in @WesternHSCTrust important discussion about supporting our young people speak about how they are feeling. @amhNI @cypsp #WSPD2019 pic.twitter.com/df7iVwrwzB

— Roseleen Maguire (@Rosie_amh) September 10, 2019

The silverware was being handed out this week at Action Mental Health’s Promote Service, honouring clients who have worked tirelessly all year to complete a range of courses.

Clients who attend the Bangor-based service for adults with learning difficulties took hold of their official certificates of completion before celebrating their success with an indoor barbecue and disco.

The annual awards day also featured a clutch of special medals conferred on clients – voted for on the merits of their progression, positive attitude, good attendance, motivation and enthusiasm.

The Most Helpful medal went to Emma Savage, while crooner, Tommy Baird, received the Best Singer award. The Kindest client award was handed to Gordon Stewart, while the Most Hardworking client medal was earned by Alan Webster. But there was a hung jury when it came to the gong for the Most Creative Client, so this year it was shared among two deserving clients, Anika Johnston and Rebecca Hanna.

The day’s events were then topped by the crowning of the Outstanding Client of the Year, Darren Woods, as voted by the whole Promote team.

The gang from Promote took the opportunity to show its gratitude to its loyal band of three volunteers with special gifts. The clients were even treated to an appearance by a Search and Rescue dog, during a visit to Promote’s own dog-walking group.

It’s time once again for cyclists across Northern Ireland to sign up for the annual Granite Challenge, a 55-mile charity cycle through the beautiful Mourne Mountains, raising funds for Action Mental Health (AMH).

This year AMH is encouraging cyclists of all abilities, individuals and club members to don their lycra for the event on Sunday, October 6, to help support the charity’s Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, a social hub and support network for men over 50.

All the funds raised at the Granite Challenge will be used to support the Downpatrick branch of the Men’s Shed, which provides a relaxed and friendly environment where men form new friendships, share skills and learn new ones. Importantly, the Shed offers members a positive way to look after their mental health. AMH also have Men’s Sheds in Antrim and Fermanagh

By raising money you’ll be assisting the Sheds to bring together men to work on practical activities of their choice, at their own pace, while having a laugh and a cup of tea. Activities include horticulture, joinery, photography, arts and crafts, IT and cooking – every Men’s Shed is led by the needs and skills of its ‘shedders’.

Every cyclist who takes part will make a difference, with the funds raised being used to help pay for the men to attend as well as for equipment, like saws and drills and whatever essential kit for the Shed’s workshops.

As a local charity, Action Mental Health relies on the support of the local community to help provide its vital services. The Downpatrick Shed is annually supported by the Granite Challenge which begins in the cathedral town, following a route through Tyrella and Dundrum, along coastal roads through Newcastle, towards Annalong at the foot of the Mournes, before riders commence their ascent through the Mournes past Silent Valley, climbing to Spelga Dam. From there, it’s downhill toward home, through the pretty village of Bryansford, then Maghera and Clough and finally back to Downpatrick.

It’s a challenging route but the Granite Challenge benefits from the support of McConvey Cycles which will come to your aid if you’ve had a blow out or bicycle difficulties. First Aid will be on hand and you’ll enjoy camaraderie and filling snacks and refreshments en route.

The event takes place just ahead of World Mental Health Day, on Thursday, October, 10, when Action Mental Health will host a variety of events across its services to mark the annual day when mental health issues come into sharp focus across the globe.

One member of the Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, Terry Murphy, said: “I would encourage anyone our age to join the Men’s Shed; it’s very, very beneficial. You learn different skills and different crafts,  from wood-carving, and stained glass, to mosaic work.

“I enjoy my fellow shedders because without them there’s no shed. We all benefit from each other and as a group, together we all benefit from the support of the Granite Challenge. It’s an amazing community fundraising effort and we all really appreciate the people who come out to participate.”

AMH Chief Executive David Babington – who annually is among the hundreds of participating cyclists – reminds us that like any exercise, cycle promotes mental well-being.

“Physical activity plays a huge role in keeping our minds healthy as well as our bodies. With as many as one in five people in Northern Ireland experiencing mental ill-health at some stage of their life, it’s important to remember that simple things such as cycling to work or walking the dog can really help to reduce stress and clear the mind.

“As World Mental Health Day approaches we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute than hosting a large scale sporting event that unites the community in a show of support for those impacted by mental illness whilst also offering participants the chance to raise vital funds to support our work.

“We’re always really excited to host our annual Granite Challenge, which over the years has proved hugely popular with local cycling clubs and individuals alike. Each year the number of cyclists continues to grow, so we are very much looking forward to participating and sharing in what is sure to be another highly motivating experience for all involved.”

Early Bird entrance fees start at just £20 plus Eventbrite fees, which includes a tea stop at Spelga where delicious homemade tray bakes and sweet treats will be provided.

Spaces are limited so register your interest now by clicking on our website www.amh.org.uk and following the links. You can also enter by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-granite-challenge-tickets-47219728479

Our Impact Report 2018/19 is now available to download!

Packed with stats from our recovery services and resilience services, it is a clear picture of how we are having an impact in our local communities.  We really are living up to our mission – to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being!

A snap shot:

• 31,487 beneficiaries of AMH Resilience services
• 3,479 accredited training outcomes by AMH clients
• 221 clients progressed to paid employment, voluntary work  or further education or training
• Our messages to raise awareness and tackle stigma, reached 28M people via traditional and digital media
• New Life Counselling (a member of the Action Mental Health Group) delivered 13,065 counselling sessions
• The Northern Area Mental Health Initiative had 19,569 beneficiaries (April 2017-March 2019)
• We had 179 wonderful people working in Action Mental Health

A hard copy is available by contacting [email protected] 

A full copy of the consolidated group annual report and audited accounts of the year to 31st March 2019 can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

Hundreds of cyclists have put considerable leg work into raising money for Action Mental Health  during an annual cycle race.

More than 250 bike riders took part in the recent 7th Tour of Fermanagh charity event, braving wet conditions to traverse the picturesque environs of County Fermanagh. Many travelled considerable distances to take part, with one club coming all the way from Co Clare.

Cyclists had the choice of two routes – 60km and 120km – with the riders commencing and finishing their routes in the centre of Lisnaskea, in an event jointly hosted by Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC and Enniskillen Royal Boat Club in association with Clones Cycling Club. The routes were fully marshalled on the day by the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club.

Queen of the Rock, Lorraine Mullarkey, cycled home in 11 minutes and 24 seconds, while Glenn Phair, who came home in eight minutes and nine seconds, was crowned King of the Rock.

Speaking at the event ,  Caroline Ferguson, Service Manager at AMH, New Horizons Fermanagh said: “We are delighted that local people in recovery from mental health issues will benefit from this popular annual cycle event, and I would like to thank the organisers, sponsors and of course, the cyclists for their generous support.”

Clients at Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Derriaghy have been enjoying an active and productive summer.

Members of the crochet group used their crafty skills to create a number of beautiful sensory blankets which were a big hit with the residents of the Louisville Nursing Home on Belfast’s Glen Road.

The sensory blankets were created to provide a visual and tactile stimulation for those residents who have dementia and have provided great interest and comfort among the men and women at the home.

Meanwhile, clients have been enjoying a number of outings in recent weeks, including the Coca Cola factory in Lisburn, where they got to the see all the processes behind the production of arguably the most famous beverage in the world. AMH is fortunate to have the support of Coca Cola HBC as a corporate partner.

They also got to see behind the scenes of the Tayto factory in Tandragee, and got to sample the product – this time, one of Northern Ireland’s most famous exports!

One of Northern Ireland’s most well-known and highly respected family run businesses recently threw its weight behind a nation-wide focus on mental health well-being.

Gordons Chemists, who have been supporting their customer’s health and well-being for 39 years, decked out all its 53 branches across Northern Ireland in Action Mental Health’s trademark purple for Mental Health Awareness Week, 13^th-19^th May 2019, raising over £5000. The pharmacy chain was helping to raise awareness among staff and local communities on how best to support and care for their emotional well-being.

The focus came as the public spotlight shines ever greater on the rising incidence of mental ill-health in Northern Ireland, with Gordon’s Chemist signalling its desire to step up and take action in partnership with Action Mental Health.

On Friday, May 17, all 53 stores united in one massive day of fundraising and both Action Mental Health and Gordons Chemists are pleased to announce that a phenomenal £5,070 was raised!

Owner and co-founder, Robert Gordon, commented: “Action Mental Health changes the lives of those living with mental ill health and we are delighted to support the great work of this local Northern Ireland charity”.

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising & Engagement Coordinator, Alex Murdock, said: “First and foremost I want to say a massive thank you to all of the staff at Gordons Chemists for really getting behind Mental Health Awareness Week and of course, to all their incredible customers for supporting them. Together you raised an absolutely outstanding amount of money that will go back into your local communities as Action Mental Health continues to promote emotional well-being and resilience right across Northern Ireland.

She added: “It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Gordons Chemists and their whole team. Thank you for helping us to step up and take action on mental health. We honestly could not support our local communities without businesses and people like you by our side.”