The first runner to sign up to don Action Mental Health’s purple jersey for this weekend’s Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon was barely able to run the length of herself not so long ago.

But now 22-year old software engineer Tanya Matthews is limbering up in her final preparations for Sunday’s  13.1m run – and she’s even signed up to run the new-route full marathon next May!

The young woman is one of those who is flying the flag of Action Mental Health’s marathon mantra #behindthemilesandsmiles. AMH’s #behindthemilesandsmiles is all about celebrating the benefits of physical activity on your mental health and well-being.

Tanya explains her motivation for signing up: “September 2017, I was very unfit and barely able to run 5km without taking multiple breaks. Flash forward to May 2018 and I began to enjoy running and was able to run 5km in a reasonable time, and even tackled a 10km – which is a big achievement for me.

“Being the foolish person that I am I decided I would set a bigger target: the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon in September. In my lead up to this I was able to complete a half in 2 hours and that’s when I started dabbling with the idea of a full marathon? Sure I’m half way there aren’t I?”

The new running enthusiast also explained why she selected Action Mental Health as her beneficiary to all her effort.

“Why Action Mental Health? Because so many, if not all of us will encounter or have dealt with some type of mental health issue in our lifetime.”

She pointed to evidence from a Northern Ireland study of almost 2,200 16-25-year-olds which found that 44% of young people in Northern Ireland say they have experienced a mental health problem. It revealed 68% revealed they always or often feel stressed and that 60% said they always or often feel anxious.

The survey found that a quarter of young people think they put too much pressure on themselves to achieve success, while a substantial 33% reported they always or often feel hopeless.

“I would be lying if I said I haven’t found myself in one of these categories above, and I’m sure anyone reading this will feel the same. By being open, and expressing to others that we’re not okay whether it is asking for help or having a chat with a trusted friend you’re taking a massive step.

“Supporting Action Mental Health, who provide invaluable services across Northern Ireland, help so many people in our wee country is one step we can take to help those around us.”

If you would like to support Tanya’s efforts and raise funds for Action Mental Health please visit here page  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tanya-matthews-marathon.

Action Mental Health’s eating disorder service within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) area is being relaunched, introducing a new model of support for people experiencing eating disorder and their families/ carers in partnership with the SHSCT  , which could act as a model for the rest of Northern Ireland.

The launch of ‘AMH everyBODY’, formerly known as Adapt, will take place at Seagoe Parish Centre on Friday, September 28 where an overview of the service will be shared,  illustrated by a service user, carer and representative from SHSCT. Statistics show that eating disorders claim more lives than any other mental illness, with one in five of the most seriously affected dying prematurely from the physical consequences or by suicide.

AMH everyBODY will promote a greater understanding and awareness of eating disorders,  promote positive lifestyle choices in people about eating to develop preventative, self-supporting skills and break the associated stigma including unhelpful assumptions that it is attention-seeking behaviour or fad dieting that stops people seeking the support they need,– having an eating disorder is a serious mental health condition.

The focus of AMH everyBODY’s approach is recovery through partnership; a partnership between the person, their family and the SHSCT, who in working collectively will provide comprehensive support towards recovery.  AMH everyBODY provides much needed support not only to the person affected but also to their families and friends at the Carers’ Group monthly meeting..

Eating disorders affect over 700,000 women and men in the UK at any one time, with research suggesting that this figure is vastly underestimated. It is thought some 80% of individuals who screen positively for having an eating disorder have never accessed help or support.  One of the most harmful symptoms of an eating disorder is silence – AMH everyBODY encourages people affected to speak out for support and know that a listening, understanding and confidential ear will be there to provide support towards recovery.

One user of the service said: “To be honest, I have really questioned the possibility of my recovery, but thanks to this service, for the first time in a long time, it made me feel like there was some hope. The support and space to talk as given by AMH everyBODY has really made a very difficult journey a lot easier for my Mum and we are both SO grateful. As someone who is very passionate about mental health and does feel that eating disorder services can be lacking in Northern Ireland, I really take heart knowing that AMH everyBODY is out there and I know will make a BIG difference when it comes to improved understanding, positive recovery outcomes and overall quality of life of those who come into contact with them. The biggest thank you doesn’t even begin to cut it.”

Action Mental Health’s Deborah McCready, everyBODY Project Worker said: “AMH everyBODY exists to bridge the gap on the clients’ journey from the moment they seek help until they eventually get to speak to a medical expert, as with existing waiting lists this can be a long time.

“When people have taken that important step and are willing to engage and seek help, AMH everyBODY offers a recovery approach in sessions when people will receive information and support to develop skills, stay focused and  healthy until they see a therapist.”  Prior to appointments people can feel unsupported and alone, contact with AMH everyBODY at this time will help people support themselves and get the best from their therapist when they meet.

Another service user said: “Speaking out is hard and you get scared that people will judge you, but for the first time I felt like somebody was listening to me and just got it. I was able to get support for other underlying issues as well as my eating disorder and it helped having someone to explain how to access different types of support. I learnt how to be more aware of my emotions and learnt new strategies to help me cope in a more positive way. Working with Deborah I started to focus and learn about my own strengths that I hadn’t really ever paid attention to before and it helped build up my confidence. I know I still have a long way to go but now I have a bit of hope for the future.”

AMH everyBODY Manager, Colin Loughran: “This is a very practical model and one that could be used as a model of best practice throughout Northern Ireland.“There is a significant shortfall in support services for people experiencing eating disorder and their families, prior to patients being seen by clinicians,” he said.  “This new service will fill that gap, giving people access to specially trained staff who will provide the vital support to help people in their recovery”.

Action Mental Health is delighted to announce its selection as one of the five nominated charities for the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon 2019.

Chief Executive David Babington said to be chosen alongside four other leading charities is not only a privilege but also a wonderful opportunity to raise both the profile of Action Mental Health and funds for our wide-reaching work in the community.

“We at Action Mental Health are delighted to have been selected as one of the five official charities – all of which are causes that will be close to the hearts of many people across Northern Ireland.

“We hope that runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes thinking of fundraising, as they enter the marathon, will choose Action Mental Health as their chosen charity. Every penny raised will be used here in Northern Ireland, to help deliver our vital services.”

The charity is also proud to announce as its event ambassador, Northern Ireland’s most successful gymnast ever, 2018 Commonwealth gold medallist, Rhys McClenaghan, who is fresh from his win in the 2018 European Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Fundraising and Communications Manager Jonathan Smyth said: “The money raised by the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon in 2019 will go towards supporting the wide range of services we offer, all with the aim of promoting better mental health and resilience, from school children, onwards.

“We have an exciting campaign to complement our participation in the marathon so watch this space… all will be revealed soon.”

Find out how Action Mental Health impacted on the lives of thousands of people in Northern Ireland in 2017/2018.

Our Impact Report is now available to download here.

Packed with statistics of how Action Mental Health is :

• Supporting & Enhancing Recovery
• Raising Awareness & Tackling Stigma
• Achieving Excellence
• Building Resilience
• Influencing Public Policy

A printed version of the Impact Report can be ordered by contacting [email protected] (subject to availability).

A full copy of the annual report and audited accounts for the year to 31st March 2018 can be downloaded here.

Today is 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 Newry & Mourne, AMH MensSana operate the Southern Area Protect Life Resource Service, here to help you regarding suicide and self-harm prevention and mental health promotion.

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.

Congratulations to Sinead O’Hara on receiving her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Sinead, who attends Action Mental Health’s BOOST programme at New Horizons Fermanagh, was presented with the coveted award by HRH The Princess Royal during a ceremony at Hillsborough Castle this week. Sinead was accompanied by a number of other award winners from Fermanagh, and Mrs Greenaway, who runs the Carrowhony Pet farm, Maguiresbridge,  where Sinead volunteers regularly.  Well done Sinead!

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped countless young people on their sometimes difficult path to adulthood.” HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

For the past seven decades, the Award scheme has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all walks of life. From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions, achieving a DofE Award is a passport to a brighter future, valued by employers and universities. There are three levels of programme you can do which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

To find out more click here – https://www.dofe.org/

The Boost programme 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. To find out more please click here.

Pink may not be there in person but local tribute artist Alecia Karr will be pounding out the hits, bringing her alive to audiences at Mahon’s Hotel in Irvinstown on Saturday, September 8 in aid of Action Mental Health.

The event has been organised by local woman Stacy Johnson who is committed to raising awareness and funds for local mental health services.

Mahon’s has donated the venue free for the event so you’ve still got time to plan to attend this Saturday night.

For tickets and further information contact Mahon’s on 028 6862 1656 or Stacy on 07926 449888. The price of a ticket is just £10, with the event kicking off at 8pm ’til late.