Cycling enthusiasts are invited to put their endurance to the test by competing in the annual Granite Challenge event to help raise funds for Action Mental Health (AMH).

The 55-mile long distance cycle takes place on Sunday, October 8, and is being staged to raise vital funds for the charity’s Men’s Shed project in Downpatrick, a support network for men aged 50 and over.

The Men’s Shed, with three units, in Downpatrick, Antrim and Fermanagh, provides a relaxed and friendly environment where men can build new friendships while sharing skills and learning new ones.

Men’s Shed brings 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 event comes just two days 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 focus.

Back for its sixth year running, the event is being supported by a number of local businesses including North Down Physio and Sports Injury Clinic, Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club, White’s Oats, McConvey Cycles and Rapid Relief Team.

Following a nutritious bowl of White’s Oats porridge at registration – at the start of the race at AMH’s New Horizons Service in Downpatrick, cyclists will get their wheels spinning at the starting line at AMH’s New Horizons Service in Downpatrick and follow a route that takes in the scenic surroundings of Tyrella, Newcastle, the Mournes and Silent Valley before returning via Bryansford, Maghera and Clough.

Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, David Babington said physical activity plays a huge role in keep 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 in 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 other than hosting a large scale sporting event that unites the community in a show of support for those impacted by mental illness.

“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 will be provided for on the day, with the added benefit of a soothing sports massage at the finish line for competitors, kindly provided by North Down Physio and Sports Injury Clinic.

Entrance fee is £20 which includes a tea stop at Spelga Dam where delicious tray bakes and sweet treats will be provided.

Spaces are limited so register your interest now by clicking on www.granitechallenge17.eventbrite.co.uk

We asked clients in AMH New Horizons Fermanagh recently what they think of the service.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with 100% of respondents saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of service.

There was lots of great comments including this one!

“Amh has been a great service to me. I love it and love all that is going on in and around the service. The staff are very helpful and I would recommend it to other people”

If you want to see more of AMH New Horizons in Fermanagh, check out our recent BBC film :

BBC NI Broadcast Appeals

AMH New Horizons Working it Out project is part funded by the NI European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, launches AMH’s Big Breakfast. The event is taking place on Thursday 12th October, 7am to 11am in the Canal Court Hotel Newry.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, the event aims to raise awareness of poor mental health in our community which can impact all of us at some point in our lives. The event is open to members of the public and we would love to see you there. The cost of the breakfast is £10 and can be paid on the day.

For more information contact [email protected] of see our event page

Kellie Armstrong MLA is hosting a Business Breakfast in association with Action Mental Health and AMH Belfast Employers’ Forum on World Mental Health Day.  This year’s theme is mental health in the workplace.  The Equality Commission and Labour Relations Agency will discuss the Mental Health Charter, legislation and best practice.  Clanmil Housing will share their experiences of the Workable (NI) programme.

Date : 10th October 2017

Time: 0800-0900

Venue: Room 115, Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate

Breakfast will be served.

Please RSVP [email protected] T 028 9182 8494

Places are limited so register early to avoid disappointment.

All guests will require security clearance, please bring ID and allow for extra time, guests will be able to park in the Visitor’s Car Park with prior notice, please advise of any special requirements.

How to get involved ……..

It’s simple and there are countless things you can do to help raise vital funds for AMH and help break the stigma of mental ill-health.

Hold a Purple Party

Get together with friends, colleagues, your church congregation or club and organise a purple themed fundraising party – it could be a tea party, coffee morning, a quiz or even a Zumbathon!  Participants can dress in purple, serve purple drinks or whip up some purple icing for your buins at a tea party.  It’s totally up to you.

Wear Purple to Work

With this year’s World Mental Health Day theme being ‘Mental Health in the Work Place’ why not support colleagues and others affected by wearing something purple to the office, building site or wherever it is you spend your working day.  Simply ask workmates to donate on the day or combine it with a  coffee morning or raffle.

Rack Up the Purple Miles

Challenge yourself to rack up the miles for AMH – cycle, walk or run and get sponsored for your efforts.  Getting active is great for your mental health after all and you’ll be helping AMH support those living with mental ill-health – and we’ll supply the running vests or T shirts.

Get Creative

These are just some ideas but the world is your oyster.  For further inspiration for fundraising ideas visit our A-Z.  Our fundraising team is here to help, so get in touch and let us know what you’re planning and we’ll provide all the help and advice you need to make your event a great success.

Your support will really make a difference.

Download our Go Purple Poster

Louise O’Donnell presents “Coastlines, Country & Creatures” in association with AMH.  The exhibition will be on show at Clotworthy House, Antrim from 9th – 13th October 2017.

Louise ‘Fifties’ O’Donnell is an illustrator, graphic designer and DJ from the Ballymena area. Scribbling and drawing since she could hold a pencil, her love for all things creative was apparent from a very young age.

After 20 years of honing her skills, she graduated with a BA Hons in illustration at Lincoln University (De Montford) (2000 – 2003). From here, she gained experience as a graphic designer working at a local newspaper and reading the photoshop manual in her spare time to expand her knowledge. Fast forward a year and Louise got her first studio job, at the same time gaining popularity as a freelancer DJ on the local club scene. Soon she supporting artists across the UK including Basement Jaxx, and Radio 1’s Andy George and Jaymo.

In 2008, her circumstances changed and she decided to move back to Northern Ireland. These events took a toll on her mental health and she became unwell, finding herself in Holywell intensive care with symptoms of schizophrenia. With no access to computers or internet, she regained her love for painting and drawing, inspired by plants and flowers. It gave her a spark of hope where there wasn’t much at all.

All the works in the exhibition, feature Louise’s return to her roots and her fondness for the medium of acrylics and pen.  ‘Coastlines, Country and Creatures’ celebrates her love of wildlife and landscapes in Co.Antrim and beyond. Despite many setbacks over the years with both her mental and physical health, Louise’s music, art and design work is what has pulled her through times of trouble. She now volunteers at Holywell, and also attends AMH New Horizons Antrim where the peer support and excellent courses have helped aid her return to health. She is also a WRAP facilitator at the Recovery College.

The Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Council, Paul Hamill will officially open Louise O’Donnell’s art exhibition, Coastlines, Country and Creatures at 11.00am on Monday 9 October as part of our activities to mark WMHD.

AMH New Horizons Antrim is part-funded by the NI ESF Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

To celebrate World Mental Health Day artists from AMH New Horizons North Down & Ards will be exhibiting their work in the Sunburst Gallery in Ards Arts Centre from Friday 6th – Saturday 28 October 2017.

The AMH Working it Out programme offers vocational training, personal development and employment support for those recovering from mental ill health. Creative classes offer individuals the space to engage with inspirational ideas and skills, leading to a new perspective on themselves, their abilities and potential to explore fresh directions in the future.

The exhibition of works includes photography, print and glass pieces which showcase the client’s creative talents and reflects the new and changing perspectives of each artist.

Working it Out is part-funded by the NI ESF Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.