One of Action Mental Health’s services – AMH Adapt – provides support to people affected by an eating disorder, as well as their family and friends in the Southern Trust area.  We deliver well-being programmes and free confidential one to one sessions which provide information and guidance on how to best support recovery.  Through our recent BodyTalk programmes we have been asking students how we can help to build our self-esteem and confidence around body image, these are some of their thoughts:

“Keep your head held high and don’t give up.”

“Think less about what other people think. Your own self care is more important and how you see yourself. Don’t always believe the images you see in the media.”

“Just talk. It’s ok to ask for help if you need it.”

“Surround yourself with people who build you up and don’t bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself.”

“Don’t compare yourself to others. We should celebrate our differences, we are all unique and that’s our strength.”

The role of social media was highlighted by students as being a pressure and possible cause of stress around Body Image, particularly with new apps emerging that allowed pupils to be anonymously rated on their appearance, which often lead to negative comments and the students recognised this could lead to low self-esteem and a negative body image. In order to reduce this risk students had positive discussions about how important it was for privacy settings on social media and being careful about the content we view, that we aren’t viewing any content that makes us feel bad, or makes us want to change our bodies.

When speaking about the subject of self-esteem one girl commented that she did feel confident, but that this confidence solely came from the compliments on her image from other boys. We discussed the importance of building up our own self-worth by identifying our strengths and things that make us up as a person that come from: the way we treat others, our hobbies and interests and our personalities. There is so much more to who we are than just our image.

When speaking to clients and families affected by eating disorders, two of the words we hear repeated are “blame” and “shame”.  These two words can be the reason for many people suffering in silence. Some of the main ways we can break this silence is to show everyone that there is no shame in talking, there is no shame in asking for help, that you are worthy of support and love regardless of size. An eating disorder is not a choice, but recovery is.  To lift the blame individuals need support. Support without judgement, support that listens and doesn’t always try to “fix things”, support than offers unconditional love and support than recognises that recovery is about progression and not perfection.

80% of people who screen positively for eating disorders have never accessed help or support.  Yet eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. 1 in 5 of the most seriously affected will die prematurely from the physical consequences, or from suicide. This is why breaking the silence is vital. We need to challenge the misconceptions that keep those in need of support in silence.

• Eating disorders do not discriminate – they come in all shapes and sizes and can affect any one, any age, any gender, from anywhere.
• Eating disorders are not – a choice, a phase, or to get attention.
• Eating disorders are not always visible and a lot of the symptoms and psychological. You do not have to be a certain size to be worthy of support.

Recognising early warning signs are essential and it is never too early to seek help.  If you need help, or you’re worried about someone, just talk. Talk to a friend, talk to a GP, talk to one of these Eating Disorder Support charities –

AMH Adapt

The Laurence Trust

Eating Disorders Association Northern Ireland

FightED

Stamp-Ed

It’s time to grab your walking shoes and challenge yourself to climb Slieve Donard to help raise vital funds for leading mental health charity, Action Mental Health.

Pack your flask and wrap up some sandwiches and take in the amazing scenery of Northern Ireland’s highest peak in the scenic Mourne Mountains for the inaugural AMH Slieve Donard Trek on Saturday, June 2.

The trek sets off at 9.30am and winds up at 4pm, and whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned walker, the journey to the 850m peak promises scenic views (even in inclement weather), the freshest sea air rising off the Irish Sea at the foot of the mountains plus a good bit of craic with your fellow walkers.

While you meander through Co Down’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you’ll be raising much needed funds for Action Mental Health which works to enhance the quality of life and the employability of people with mental health needs or a learning disability in Northern Ireland.

To book your place please click here.

If you register by Wednesday, May 23 you have a chance to win a £50 voucher to spend at Victoria Square – so what are you waiting for!!

For more information call our fundraising team on 028 9182 8494 or email [email protected].

A new study illustrating the extent of mental health issues affecting Northern Ireland workforces underpins the need for services like AMH Works.

AMH Works supports healthy resilient workforces in an age when work – accepted as one of the most important factors in maintaining good mental health – has become so important that it often defines people’s lives.

Investors in People’s ‘Managing Mental Health’ report found that 85 per cent of people in Northern Ireland admit to feeling stress at work ­– higher than the UK average.

A further 63 per cent confirmed that their mental health had been affected by their job at some point in their career, with some 54 per cent of employees conceded they felt burdened by work-related stress while at home.

The findings also showed that just 10 per cent of workers felt comfortable enough to share their mental health concerns with their line manager.

And as work continues to present new levels of pressure on employees, Investors in People also found that 21 per cent of people would prefer mental health support in the workplace over a pay rise.

In response to this modern day issue, AMH Works was set up to provide mental health training and first aid in the workplace and now engages with some of Northern Ireland and the UK’s leading organisations.

AMH Works teach the skills required to support and maintain healthy resilient workplaces top to bottom – from CEOs to apprentices and boast a 96 per cent satisfaction rating.

It also works toward tackling the consequences of stress in the workplace – now the most common form of long term absence. Mental ill health also results in the loss of 10.6 working days per year per employee.

Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington said the findings of the IIP report make for alarming reading.

“We are slowly moving to a climate in which there are more open discussions about mental health in the workplace, however, this report shows there is still a great deal of work to be done.

“Everyone should feel confident that if they seek support for their mental health from their employers it won’t have detrimental consequences for their career trajectory or otherwise.

“AMH Works provides training in mental health and stress awareness, personal resilience, mindfulness, signposting employers and employees to appropriate interventions from the first symptoms of stress to those requiring resources for suicidal thoughts.”

The evenings are brighter longer and the birds are still chirping as the sun delays its nightly dip back behind the horizon – spring is here. The season allows us more time to enjoy the outdoors and to take full advantage of its soothing benefits to our bodies – and particularly our mental health and well-being.

May is National Walking Month so if you haven’t gone out for a wee dander lately, why not head out today, tomorrow or as soon as you can? Walking, especially briskly, is great for keeping fit but more than that, it has recognised benefits to your emotional and mental well-being. It boosts the levels of chemicals in your body called endorphins and serotonin, which not only reduce pain, but also improve your mood. Like any activity, walking improves self-perception and self-esteem – even the quality of your sleep.

Countless others around Action Mental Health have got together to enjoy the communal stroll into nature and though everyone had their own particular favourite aspect of the group activity, they all agree – they feel the better for it.

One group of walkers from who take part in our Working It Out Project in New Horizons Craigavon said not only does the activity help clear their heads, it also provides a great social aspect, giving people a welcome opportunity to commune, not only with nature, but with others for a ‘chat and a laugh’.

Marc McCann, Skills Coach in Personal Development said the two walking groups who glean such benefit from walking range in number from two to eight at times.

They are lucky enough to have the Craigavon Lakes at their disposal to walk around and often head through The People’s Park in Portadown for their regular strolls, among other local venues.

“The walking groups are a great way for clients to meet up, get active and also connect with others,” he added.

“ It’s exercise that we feel comfortable with as it’s not too strenuous, and it makes us feel good,” the walkers agreed.

One of the gang of enthusiastic walkers is 52-year-old George Haugh from Portadown.

“I walk with the group every Friday morning and I find walking really relaxing. I really enjoy walking with company and it’s also a great way to keep fit, but the relaxing benefits are the number one appeal.”

Another Working it Out client from New Horizons Foyle, James Ward, has been reaping the benefits of walking since joining  her AMH group last summer.

“I’ve been a part of the walking group since August 2017. One of the walks was a journey through Derry’s Walls. It included a visit into St. Columb’s Cathedral, which was very interesting as I’ve never been there. My favourite walk was over the Peace Bridge, and this was my first trip over the bridge even though it’s been open for seven years.

“We got a photo of us all on the bridge.  I always look forward to the walks each week and I think it has helped me to cope with my arthritis. During the walks we would chat, take a rest and then carry on. Overall the fresh air makes me feel a lot better and hopefully I can continue with this form of exercise. I think the walking group helps everyone to cope better and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Walking is of course a regular feature among Action Mental Health clients and employees too. And our supporters also don their walking boots every year to raise money for every mile walked – across terrain that’s nice and relaxing but sometimes very taxing.

A hearty band of walkers will also be be challenging themselves to scale Northern Ireland’s highest peak for the Slieve Donard Trek on Saturday, June 2.

Later in the summer, AMH walkers and supporters will be packing their flasks and sandwiches for the annual six mile hike from Omeath to Carlingford Sponsored Walk on Saturday, August 4.

For more information about joining either event https://www.amh.org.uk/events/

AMH New Horizons Working it Out Project is part-funded through the ESF Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

Northern Ireland’s leading mental health charity is inviting everyone to join in its first ever Northern Ireland-wide picnic event.

Action Mental Health is asking people to host a Great Big Purple Picnic to help mark Mental Health Awareness Week from 14^th to 20^th May and wants schools, businesses, community groups, families and friends to get their picnic hampers out and join in the fundraising fun.

The Great Big Purple Picnic is one of the many initiatives organised by AMH to help raise awareness of positive mental health and also raise vital funds to help support their work across Northern Ireland. Most of all AMH wants you to have a bit of fun while you’re doing it.

The focus for the Great Big Purple Picnic is quite simply about giving people a way to improve their knowledge of positive mental health and also a way to improve their mental wellbeing.

By hosting your very own Great Big Purple Picnic you and your guests will be actively engaging in the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connecting with those around you; being active, by choosing one of Northern Ireland’s picturesque settings to host your picnic and combining it was a nice walk; taking notice, by just taking time out to enjoy the moment; keep learning, by thinking of healthy food options for your picnic to help maintain a healthy body for a healthy mind; and by giving the funds you raise to AMH which aims to change the lives of those living with mental ill-health and promote resilience and wellbeing to future generations.

All you have to do is to choose a date, a venue – indoors or outdoors, in the garden, at home, school or work – and then invite your friends to your Great Big Purple Picnic. But don’t forget to think purple: whether it’s purple bunting, purple picnic blankets, purple wigs or purple drinks, it’s up to you!

You can download a fundraising and information pack below or request one by emailing [email protected] or by calling 028 9182 8494.

Schools    Corporates & Organisations

A number of Action Mental Health clients, who are taking part in the ESF funded Working it Out project,  recently grabbed the opportunity to enjoy a day ‘at work’ in a variety of industries and fields, including some they had never experienced before, as part of the Europe-wide Job Shadow Day.

Action Mental Health jumped at the chance to offer clients the chance to improve their employability by marking the employment initiative, founded in 2008 by the Irish Association of Supported Employment

Job Shadow Day highlights the positive contribution people with health conditions and disabilities can make to workforces and the economy.

By 2017 over 800 job seekers participated in the event, across 500 employment sites, securing 55 permanent job placements as a direct result. As part of its wide and varying services, Action Mental Health sources and supports employment opportunities for clients, helping them avail of training and voluntary places.

New Horizons Downpatrick client Emma was offered a stint at Walker’s Seeds and Paints, in Newtownards, to participate in a day in the life of the business.

Noel Walker, manager of the company said: “Emma was welcomed and introduced to the team and given an overview of our products and services. Emma proved to be very competent and was able to carry out all tasks that were given to her.  She was willing to ask when she needed help and was very courteous when dealing with customers.

“I found this experience to be very beneficial knowing that it is helping others to find experience when looking to source employment.”

Mal, also New Horizons Downpatrick, spent a day with Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex. Aurora’s Will Carson said it was a pleasure hosting Mal and letting him shadow employees in the Fitness Suite.

“Even though he was only here a short time Mal demonstrated good communication skills and was able to engage well with the members – probably the most important skill of any aspiring Fitness Instructors. He was also able to see a high-intensity class, a class for people who are at risk of falls, and an aqua fit class all at the same time. This gave him some perspective on the range of abilities he could be working with at any given time.
“It was obvious from the outset that he was already quite knowledgeable and enthusiastic about getting into the industry. He was keen to learn how a Fitness Suite operates on a day-to-day basis and eager to see it in practice. He asked a lot of great questions about the business and fitness in general.

“I hope Mal continues to work toward industry qualifications. He would be an asset to any gym and he is more than welcome to come back here any time.”

Mal enjoyed his shadow day at Aurora.

“When I was shadowing the instructors at Aurora, I found it very interesting to see the running of a gym from their perspective, from setting up the equipment maintaining its cleanliness for hygiene, setting up classes and running them, introducing new members from the young, old and with a wide range of abilities.

“They made new members feel welcome and capable but most of all they made sure that they use the equipment correctly and safely. Everyone had a role and a job to do around the gym and they kept each other informed. Everyone I spoke to loved working there and all of them were friendly and got on with one another, which give the place a nice atmosphere and allowed me to relax and feel comfortable. To finish all I can say is that I learned a lot from my day in the Aurora fitness suite which has helped me understand that day-to-day running of the gym was more than just helping people achieve their goals but keeping the gym in shape too.”

The Working it Out project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

BELFAST’S newest hotel has announced that Action Mental Health will be its charity partner for 2018/19.  The local charity works to enhance the quality of life and the employability of people with mental ill-health across Northern Ireland as well promoting well-being and resilience to future generations.

In the UK, more than 10 million working days are lost to stress, depression, and anxiety every year, costing more than £10 billion a year to the economy. Work in hotels including shift-work, high level customer service and tight schedules can be a fast-moving and stressful environment.

Lydia Gourley, HR Manager Titanic Hotel Belfast said:

“Mental health is a cross cutting issue in Northern Ireland with one in five people here affected by mental ill-health.   When you consider the number of people working in hospitality and using hospitality services, hotels such as ours are in a unique position to impact people’s lives for the better”.

General Manager, Adrian McNally added,

“We know we have a responsibility to support and protect all the people who touch our business, whether that’s our employees or our guests. We put people at the heart of everything we do and that’s why we are supporting Action Mental Health to continue their vital work in our community.”

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager, Jonny Smyth, said:

“‘We are extremely pleased that Titanic Hotel Belfast has chosen to focus on and support mental health and well-being in the coming year and we are delighted to have the support of a business so immersed in our local heritage, adding such an exciting new chapter to the enduring and iconic Titanic story.  Our team at AMH will work closely with Titanic Hotel to host a number of fundraising activities and events to raise much needed funds and awareness, tackle stigma and promote positive mental health’.