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

This year, the charity’s Chief Executive David Babington is leading by example and is once again donning the AMH kit and appealing for everyone to join him on Sunday, October 7.

Spaces are limited so book your place now by clicking here.

As a local charity, Action Mental Health relies on the support of the local community to help provide their vital services. This year, all funds raised at the Granite Challenge will be used to support the AMH Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, a social hub and support network which caters for men over 50. The Men’s Shed provides a relaxed and friendly environment where men can build new friendships while sharing skills and learning new ones. Most importantly, the Shed offers members a really positive way to look after their mental health.

AMH have three Men’s Sheds across Northern Ireland, in Antrim, Downpatrick and Fermanagh. The Sheds 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’.

The picturesque Granite Challenge route wheels out from AMH New Horizons, in the cathedral town of Downpatrick, before snaking its way through Tyrella and Dundrum. The route then follows coastal roads through Newcastle, towards Annalong at the foot of the Mournes. The riders then 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.

The event takes place just ahead of World Mental Health Day 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.

Back for its seventh year, Mr Babington has participated in every race since its inception. Cycling, like any exercise, promotes mental well-being and when running took its toll on his knees, he turned to cycling.

“I realised I would have to try something different so I opted for cycling and I enjoyed it so much I’ve been hooked ever since,” David explained.

David soon found himself among a devoted group of cycling friends. Together, they cycle regularly, not only to keep fit but also to enjoy the benefits to their mental health and well-being that exercise and being out in nature is proven to provide.

“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.”

Food and refreshments are provided on the day. Early Bird entrance fees start at just £20 which includes a tea stop at Spelga where delicious homemade tray bakes and sweet treats will be provided.

Spaces are limited so book your place now by clicking here.

You can also book your space or find out more by calling us on 028 9182 8494.

Action Mental Health (AMH) has called for swift action to reverse the downward trend of funding for Northern Ireland’s mental health sector which has fallen to 6% of the total health budget. The portion of Northern Ireland’s health budget going into mental health has fallen progressively from 7.72% in 2012-13 to just 6% in 2016-17.

David Babington, Chief Executive of AMH said the figure here lags far behind what is spent by NHS England, despite Northern Ireland experiencing 25% greater incidence of mental illness. In England mental health services receive 11% of the total health budget – and that figure is on the rise.

Mr Babington made the call amid recognition of the 70^th anniversary of the NHS when he repeated concern that the lack of political progress was preventing the pledged £50m boost specifically for mental health. It had been agreed under last year’s DUP/Conservative Confidence and Supply deal.

It is more than a year since the signing of the deal which had been greeted with optimism when the extra cash was earmarked for mental health provision. To date, there has been no confirmation that any of the money has been received by Northern Ireland’s mental health practitioners.

Among the pressures facing mental health provision is the spiralling rate of suicide in Northern Ireland. It outstrips the rest of the United Kingdom, figures show that more people here took their own lives, proportionately, than anywhere else in the UK.

That statistic echoes another shocking one that preceded Action Mental Health’s delegation in February to Westminster when it emerged that more people had died by suicide since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement than during the Troubles. That meeting, alongside the Together For You group of mental health charities and experts, was a rallying call for urgent action to improve Northern Ireland’s stricken mental health services. Hope was raised following the meeting when Action Mental Health was promised a meeting with Secretary of State Karen Bradley. To date, no such meeting has taken place.

He also called for a mental health strategy which exists in England, Scotland and Wales and said there needs to be focus and energy with dedicated resources to tackle these challenges. There has to be a cradle to grave approach with particular emphasis to prevent mental health issues developing in young people so they don’t further burden the NHS.

Mr Babington added: “The most recent boost to the service was the announcement of £50million over 5 years in the Conservative-DUP Confidence and Supply agreement. However, a year into that agreement we are yet to see any evidence of this new money being provided and bringing a positive impact to frontline services. The illusion of increased spending is in fact yet another false dawn to those who need the services the most.”

 

The sun has helped the green-fingered guys and gals at AMH Promote to create the most fantastic floral arrangements for Groomsport’s Translink Ulster in Bloom competition submission. Clients donated two planters and 20 window boxes for the village’s blooming bid for the winner’s trophy in the Large Village category. Judging in the colourful competition, sponsored by Translink for many years, began on July 1, with inspections continuing around Northern Ireland until August. The winners are set to be announced in September.

 

 

 

AMH New Horizons supports the recovery of adults experiencing mental ill health who are interested in progressing towards further education/training or employment. Our ESF ‘Working it Out’ project provides a comprehensive programme of specialist training in personal development, vocational skills and employability.

At New Horizons North Down & Ards, like Action Mental Health’s eight other New Horizons centres across Northern Ireland, we aim to help people reclaim their lives, to engage with and glean support from others in a similar situation.

New Horizons enriches the lives of people through a variety of activities from photography, arts and crafts to floral arranging and stress management.

Our wide variety of courses also range from computer classes, retail courses – right up to NVQ level; catering courses, interview skills and customer services training. Our clients can take up volunteering and supported placements opportunities in a variety of fields and industries and even get back into paid employment, all ably assisted by specially-trained, kind and supportive employment officers.

The ‘Working it Out’ project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health and Social Care Trusts.

Employers get a lot out of the programme, by offering clients placements and it is truly a win win, given the benefits felt by the clients – in their confidence, motivation and finding new purpose in life. In the video below, Selwyn Johnston, Service Manager with AMH New Horizons North Down & Ards sums it up…

 

EMPLOYER TESTIMONIALS

Diarmuid Teggart, Staff Officer, Northern Ireland Civil Service

Looking back on the time that the individual spent with us the thing that springs to mind is that we got back more than we gave. By offering a work placement we expected to be doing our bit to help someone find full time employment, someone who perhaps had challenges to overcome. In reality we got a very competent and eager person who blended into the team here effortlessly. Providing a workplacement for just one day a week required so little effort from us, just some basic training and ongoing support, but in return we got someone who made a real contribution to the team, both in terms of output and support for colleagues. She was so appreciative of the opportunity we gave her and we are only too pleased that we were in a position to help. A feel good factor for all concerned I think.

 

 

Leeann Matchett, Disability Coordinator, Queens University

Queens has been providing placements to individuals with various disabilities including mental ill health through our Inclusive Employment Scheme for a number of years. The programme is a great opportunity for those who have been unable to get work or have had to leave due to their disability, to develop skills, confidence and gain valuable work experience. It is also proving to be extremely beneficial for the the Queens host Departments. Staff involved are now more aware of how various disabilities can impact individuals in the workplace. The individuals on placement make a very real and valuable contribution to the task in hand and it is great to see their confidence grow on a daily basis. Overall we are proud to be having such a positive impact on peoples lies and wider society.

 

AMH supported Colin’s move from being practically housebound to living life – by leaps and bounds

Colin Wright is among the younger generation of clients at Action Mental Health who have been reclaiming back their lives from battles with mental health issues with the help of its wide-reaching support network.

Participating in AMH’s varied classes and courses – as diverse as horticulture, photography and computing – Colin’s dedicated key worker helped map out the best programme to help him take his first steps into the world of work.

This followed years of social isolation stemming from mental health issues which surfaced when he was still in primary school. It began with physical manifestations of an anxiety issue which would eventually lead to agoraphobic feelings. It left him housebound at times and uncomfortable leaving home for any length of time.

His issues interrupted his education and exacerbated his feelings of social isolation. However, with the support of the local Trust’s children’s mental health services, he then transferred to adult services where he joined a group for people with social anxiety.

“I could only go out for a short space of time and I couldn’t go anywhere if I couldn’t be back home within a particular set time,” he reveals.

As he battled his issues, Colin was eventually prepared to branch out further and ready to attempt to take the steps to getting on with his life.

“I was ready to go for it – I just needed something to get me there,” he says.

Action Mental Health was that something he needed and in 2016 he was referred to the charity.

“Through Action Mental Health I have come on leaps and bounds. I’ve attended courses in Newtownards New Horizons, that lasted an hour at a time and I’ve had to attend an appointment in  Downpatrick and that’s really quite far away for me. But I did it – before it would have really taken it out of me, physically and mentally, but now I’m getting much better at being further from home.”

Since attending Action Mental Health, Colin has blossomed into an articulate young man who exudes an easy charm with customers at Alan Espie Clothing, Newtownards, where he has found a regular weekly training placement – all with the help of AMH’s employment officers.

“I’m working here for three hour shifts – so this is the longest I have been away from home. I’ve been very comfortable at AMH but now I need more, and I’m at the stage of looking forward to experiences outside AMH.”

AMH helps Sophie channel her confidence to start a whole new career

Sophie Smyth is among the many young women at AMH whose confidence has skyrocketed since embarking on a retail placement, secured for her through the charity.

The 21 year has been learning the retail ropes at the sumptuous gift shop at the National Trust’s Mount Stewart, following her introduction by New Horizons North Down & Ards.

Sophie has been with New Horizons for a year and during that time she has participated in its wide variety of activities, with photography being among her particular favourites.

As she contemplates future paid employment, she has embarked on a Retail NVQ Level 2 qualification which has supported her work at Mount Stewart and given her a greater insight into the operation of a successful retail endeavour.

Looking back at her earliest days at New Horizons North Down & Ards, Sophie recalls how, like many who first arrive, she was nervous. But once she was introduced to people who were experiencing issues similar to her own, she soon settled in and felt much more content. Nowadays, she happily goes about her work and activities at New Horizons with new confidence and an infectious smile.

“The support from my keyworker has been invaluable and the regular reviews of my action plans has helped me to keep on track and look back on what I have achieved,” she says.

“I would absolutely recommend New Horizons to others. It has helped me to feel more confident and I have been able to meet new people.’

Sophie is looking forward to finding future paid employment in a retail setting and says her placement at Mount Stewart has given her the practical skills required for her to complete her qualification.

“It has really given me confidence because I was only doing my placement one weekday afternoon shift per week but I’ve been asked to fill in at the weekend when the regular volunteers can’t make it,” she says.
“That gives me confidence because they must think I’m doing a good job to be asked to do extra.”

Dylan finds the motivation to start a whole new chapter in life – thanks to AMH

Dylan Beckett found he had little motivation to get on with life as he battled through the burden of social anxiety. He found it difficult to interact with new people and make new friends. It really dragged him down.

But since spending nine months enjoying the camaraderie and support of Action Mental Health he’s a different person – and flourishing as he embarks upon a work placement at a local animal sanctuary.

Dylan, 20, speaks fondly of the assistance he’s received from Action Mental Health, where he’s been surrounded by people who can empathise fully with him.
“New Horizons is a supportive place. I feel more confident and I am planning for the future. I don’t feel as stuck, and I also feel that I have a purpose now and that I know where I am headed,” he says.

“No one is judgemental at New Horizons and everyone is easy to talk to. I would definitely recommend to others who are struggling.”

Like everyone coming into New Horizons, people are encouraged, but not forced, to take part in its varied activities. Dylan went through its IT courses and art, and further exercised his creative side participating in the Tiffany glass-making glasses, which are a favourite of many clients.

And after taking up the training opportunities offered at AMH, he is now thriving as he participates in a work placement at Assisi Animal Sanctuary. So on top of a legion of new friends that he’s made at New Horizons, he has also a band of new work colleagues.

Dylan has a natural affinity with animals and he explained how he found himself among the rabbit hutches, dog kennels and the cattery at Assisi.
“I met with the Employment Officer Katrina in November 2017 and expressed an interest in volunteering with animals. Katrina arranged for me to volunteer at Assisi Animal Sanctuary Conlig and I have been there since Jan and I am absolutely loving it,” he says.

“I feed the animals, clean out kennels and any other duties required. It has helped me to feel less anxious and I enjoy mucking in as part of the team. The long term aim for me is find employment doing something similar. I feel my volunteering will be a welcome addition to my CV.”

AMH gave Chris the boost he needed to start a new career – and he’s loving it!

Chris Nicholl is one of the many people who felt ‘at rock bottom’ when he was referred to Action Mental Health. But now, after almost two years progressing through New Horizons’ variety of services, he now has a part-time job, in paid employment – and quite simply, he’s loving it.

Like everyone who seeks the support of AMH, Chris had his own particular mental health issues to work through. When he arrived at New Horizons North Down and Ards, he was a bit nervous – as many newcomers are.

But, like everyone else, he soon found the comfort he sought, by sharing his experiences with others who could understand how he felt, and by working toward realistic and attainable goals tailored specifically for him by specialist tutors.

“At the start I was apprehensive coming into new surroundings, but any fears were soon laid to rest when I got chatting to other people who were in a similar situation to myself. It really helped kick-start my recovery. Getting out of the house meant I felt less isolated and had routine and structure to my week. I could connect with others,” he says.

Chris previously worked in the field of plumbing and horticulture and has a keen interest in upcycling furniture. But during his stint at New Horizons he participated in the various courses on offer, including the ECDL computing courses, when a previously untapped interest in catering was sparked.

“I was able to secure an two-week place on a Catering Academy in conjunction with Belfast City Council and the Dept for Communities. When I started, the hotel had just brought in a whole new load of kitchen staff at the same time so it was good that way because of everyone was learning at the same time. Everyone has been great because we’re all in the same boat, learning the ropes together.

“Sometimes it is a pressure environment but so far it’s been a really great place to work. I am working a few shifts a week, paid, already and hopefully that will increase in the near future.”

Since joining the busy hotel kitchen Chris has been shown all aspects of the work involved in keeping it running like a well-oiled machine.

“At the end of the eight weeks I was told that they were offering me a part time job in this prestigious hotel. I was over the moon. I could not have got there without the help of my keyworker Clive who has supported me every step of the way. In fact all of the staff at New Horizons have been so good.”

New Horizons has made a real and tangible impact on Chris’ life and future and one that he believes others in his position should avail of the first chance they get.

“My piece of advice to anyone in my situation is to surround yourself with positive people who are there to support you and that’s what I found at AMH. I would recommend AMH to anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Make the first step – you will not regret it.”

Arts and Crafts abound at AMH

A favourite element of clients’ time at AMH, for many, are the art courses on offer. In the video below, Pauline  Matthew, Skills Coach, describes one of the many areas of art the clients participate in.

“For the past few months I’ve been doing an art course and I’m really enjoying it.

The course is excellent and is so well run and I have learnt so many new skills,

while also enjoying a lot of laughs with the other people in my class.”

AMH client, Jill

This year’s much-anticipated Action Mental Health Client Day has been another rousing success.

The bi-annual event, staged for the second time at The Jungle NI adventure centre in Magherafelt, gave clients the opportunity to experience new activities and challenge themselves to something new.

More than 500 clients, from across Northern Ireland – along with dozens of dedicated staff – converged on the picturesque activity hub to partake in everything from hair-raising zorbing events, segway sessions, wall-climbing and paintball shooting – even relaxing llama walks!

Dozens of clients participated in a veritable talent show, making up a packed musical itinerary of amateurs and professional alike – singing and playing instruments with everything from guitars and violins to ukuleles.

Northern Ireland performers ‘The Just Adam Band’ had people on their feet dancing to a host of hits, giving the client talent a chance to rest after facing the audience themselves.

Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington said: “Clients I spoke to were really enjoying themselves and getting a lot out of it, some by challenging themselves by zorbing or singing in front of an audience or just socialising and making new friends.”

“I’d like to pay tribute to Callum Clarke (Fundraising & Events Officer) for his efforts and for leading on the organisation of the event, supported by the Communications and Fundraising Team.”

 

 

 

 

Young people who attend a specially-tailored service at Action Mental Health in Enniskillen have been gifted a brand new space, kitted out with a host of modern new features.

The brand new BOOST room at AMH New Horizons Fermanagh has been unveiled, offering 18-25-year-olds experiencing mental health issues a dedicated space, complete with kitchen and hang-out room featuring gaming and high-tech equipment.

BOOST is a programme designed to help young people re-build their confidence and self-esteem, and to re-engage in education following periods of mental ill-health. BOOST also includes a range of personal development, vocational and employability initiatives, along with a range of fun and life-enhancing activities.

BOOST’s new facilities will assist in the delivery of cookery and domestic programmes designed to encourage independence among young people, while the high-tech additions, including drones, will take photography classes to new heights.

The creation of the cool new space has been entirely driven by donations from the Enniskillen Rotary Club which hosted a number of activities over the year, including a coffee morning and popular Christmas Concert held across two churches, St Macartin’s Cathedral and St Micheal’s church. The Rotary also topped up the pot at AMH’s Great Big Purple Picnic fundraising event last month.

BOOST has also been chosen as the beneficiary of the recent Fisher Cycle Challenge.

Among the number of individual donors who supported the project were Billy and Margaret Mulligan who asked guests at their recent wedding to donate cash to local charities, in place of gifts – including AMH. As a result, the couple handed over a cheque for £2700 to the BOOST service, after hearing of the work of Action Mental Health during the Enniskillen Rotary Club ball.

Rotary President Henry Robinson also made a similar gesture, asking former work colleagues to donate cash to AMH instead of contributing to a retirement gift for him.

AMH New Horizons is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

New Horizons Fermanagh Service Manager Caroline Ferguson commented: “We would like to sincerely thank everyone who kindly supported the creation of the new BOOST space. It provides a wonderful range of up-to-date equipment for our young people who attend here at New Horizons.”

 

M&S staff at The Junction are to lending their time and effort to volunteer at The Men’s Shed in Antrim as part of a dedicated week of volunteering by the retailer.

Marks and Spencer employees of the Antrim-based Junction will be rolling up their sleeves to assist at Action Mental Health’s Men’s Shed group, for men over 50, as part of Making Every Moment Special Week taking place from June 18 to 24.

The week-long event aims to inspire M&S colleagues around the country to use their skills for social good. Last year The Men’s Shed was chosen by M&S Junction One as its charity partner of the year.

Eoin McAnuff of the Men’s Shed Antrim said: “It was great to welcome the M&S staff from The Junction, to join the men in carrying out our various activities that we are involved here. The volunteer’s contribution makes a big impact to the shed garden area. The event also cements good relations between us and the retailer who last year nominated us as their charity partner.”

Week in, week out, countless people around Northern Ireland tirelessly donate funds to Action Mental Health.

As an official thank you, we have introduced Fundraising Friday to ensure our faithful legion of fundraisers’ efforts don’t go unnoticed.

Our recent social media posts have highlighted Action Mental Health stars who have raised thousands of pounds through a variety of means: from marathon runs, tea parties, mountain treks, picnics (in aid of AMH’s first ever Great Big Purple Picnic this year), abseils and a whole lot more besides.

Last week’s #FundraisingFriday was a whopping great week of cash raised to help Action Mental Health provide the range of services on offer to young and old, and serves as a great example of the efforts which inspired our new weekly posts.

The staff, pupils and parents of Sandelford Special School in Coleraine raised an absolutely staggering £5,314.48, through a variety of events, including four staff teams in last month’s Belfast marathon and AMH’s recent Great Big Purple Picnic.

Sandelford had chosen AMH as its beneficiary after the Northern Area Mental Health Initiative delivered training to staff and pupils last year. The staff said it had such an impact on them and on school life that they wanted to give something back.

Over in Antrim, the Run-Anon group of runners from Crumlin raised an impressive £2,416 from their joint efforts in last month’s Belfast City Marathon. The group members, led by Aiden O’Neill – who has over 50 marathons under his belt – and assisted by coach Shauna Gibson, raised £2,416 for AMH after the annual run through Belfast city centre and its environs. Thank you so much to all of you! We are so grateful and you should be very proud of yourselves!