New Horizons Fermanagh are celebrating after smashing their target of volunteering 1000 hours in the local community – by clocking up an extra 300 hours. The ambitious target was set as part of the Fermanagh-based service’s 25^th anniversary commemorations.

Clients made a massive contribution to the local community through a variety of placements, from befriending people with disabilities and caring for animals, to building a dirt bike track, upcycling old furniture, working in charity shops and packing food hampers for those in need over Christmas.

The challenge provided clients with the opportunity to tap in to the Five Ways to Wellbeing, with individual placements allowing them to ‘stay connected, be active, take notice, learn new skills and give back’. It also gave clients a shared sense of achievement by surpassing their volunteering goal by 300 hours. Joined by Raymond Farrell, one of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Mental Health Champions, and Lynn Johnston from Volunteer Now, 36 clients celebrated 1300 hours volunteering across 23 different organisations.

 

 

 

 

Tackling the stigma of mental health is the theme of a new art exhibition on display at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry, created by the talented clients of Action Mental Health New Horizons Newry. The essence of the works of art portray the difficulties many people experience when opening up to their family, friends and work colleagues about their mental ill health.
The paintings and photographs on show will hopefully help stimulate conversations about ‘the elephant in the room’ – the issue of mental health – to help break the stigma. Everyone is very welcome to come along to enjoy the artistry, until the end of December. Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Roisin Mulgrew helped Brian Hughes of AMH Derriaghy launch the exhibition.

We took an express train to the North Pole last week to film our special Christmas video with corporate partner Danske Bank in Santa’s Grotto!

We all know that Christmas is a very special time of year, but for some, it can also be a really busy and stressful time.

So, with that in mind, AMH MensSana Project Worker, Hugh Roarty, was joined by five little helpers to offer the top tips to help you maintain good mental health over the festive season.

By following these simple steps, we can all make it a happier Christmas, for everyone.

you can download our Top Tips too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this week, we published new research along with our corporate partner, Danske Bank that revealed one in three people in Northern Ireland will spend more than they can afford on Christmas this year. With gifts, food, decorations….it doesn’t take long for the costs of the festive season to add up, so Danske Bank has put together its top tips to help you budget.

 

1. Work out what you can afford to spend

Whether you’ve been saving since last Christmas or are planning to put some money aside over the coming weeks, it’s a good idea to work out what you can afford to spend.

 

2. Set your budget and prioritise

From the turkey dinner with all the trimmings to Christmas pyjamas for all the family, there are so many opportunities to spend money around the festive season. So before parting with your money, budget how much you can afford to spend and don’t be afraid to prioritise. This might mean asking yourself some tough questions like – do you really need a new Santa-themed duvet or will your pet really appreciate a Christmas gift? If you would like some help with this, then download our budget template here Danske Christmas Budgeting Template

 

3. Make a Christmas gift list and check it twice

Christmas gift lists aren’t just for the kids. Make a list of everyone you would like to buy for, and then check it twice. In an ideal world, we would all like to buy gifts for everyone on our list but for most of us that’s just not possible. Suggesting doing a Secret Santa among a group of friends or family members can often be a good budget-saver.

 

4. Get shopping savvy

Once you’ve decided who to buy for, work out what you think they might like and then do some online detective work. Browsing for deals and shopping around different retailers can often mean that you pick up what you want for less – especially true with Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner.

 

5. Track your spending

At this time of year there are temptations all around us; from picking up an extra gift here or there to adding four boxes of luxury mince pies to the trolley. It doesn’t take long to overspend – even with a budget in place – so keep track of your spending as you go.

 

The important thing to remember is when to stop spending.  Just because you have set a budget doesn’t mean you have to spend it all.

We’ve been as busy as Santa’s Elves at AMH New Horizons, creating a range of Christmas Crafts for you to decorate your homes, schools or businesses this festive season.

Don’t miss out!  Come and visit us at

AMH New Horizons

Tannaghmore Gardens

Kilvargan Road, Craigavon

 

AMH Adapt aims to promote and increase knowledge, and provide greater understanding and awareness of Eating Disorders in our community. 

We are delighted to be hosting, with the Southern Health Social Care Trust’s Eating Disorder team, what aims to be an uplifting and interactive evening for anyone affected by an Eating Disorder (including their family & friends).

Taking place on 30th November from 7pm – 9pm in the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh, you will hear from an inspirational guest speaker as she talks about her own recovery journey, followed by information on support services available in the Southern Trust Area, and a short interactive session on ways to promote good well-being and mental health.

If you would like any more information or to book a place please contact Vanessa – [email protected] or 028 3839 2314.