Coleraine v Linfield, The Oval, Belfast, 5 August 2017, Kick-Off: 3pm

Action Mental Health is delighted to be the nominated beneficiary for this year’s Charity Shield.

The reigning Danske Bank Premiership champions, Linfield will face last season’s Irish Cup finalists Coleraine in the Action Mental Health Charity Shield on 5 August.

The game at the Oval, Belfast, will benefit Action Mental Health as the nominated charity of NIFL sponsor Danske Bank.

Linfield and Coleraine will be hoping to commence the season in a positive fashion in advance of their opening Danske Bank Premiership fixtures on Saturday, 12 August 2017.

David Babington, AMH Chief Executive said, “Events such as the Charity Shield are of vital importance in raising awareness of mental health in Northern Ireland and the gesture from players, clubs and supporters is greatly appreciated throughout our organisation.” 

Andrew Johnston, NIFL Managing Director, is delighted that Action Mental Health will benefit from gate receipts generated from the game. He said: “To be able to support such a fantastic charity as Action Mental Health is very important for the NIFL. This game will not only be a success on the pitch as both Linfield and Coleraine will want to put in a good performance ahead of the Danske Bank Premiership kick off a week later, but off the pitch the match should raise many thousands of pounds for AMH.  We are delighted to be able to raise awareness of mental health and the issues it presents, especially within football, and for the NIFL to be able to raise so much money for charity just shows how worthwhile this match is for everyone involved.”

Entry to the game will be £8 adult, £5 for 12-16 years-old, U12s enjoy free admission.

Our thanks goes to everyone involved and best of luck to both teams!

Clients and staff from AMH New Horizons Fermanagh were celebrating this week with a BBQ in the Serenity Garden at their base in Enniskillen.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh was established in 1991 and was initially based in Enniskillen town centre. In 1992 the service relocated to its current site in Cherrymount Road, Drumcoo, Enniskillen.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh works in the community to improve the health and well-being of people, changing the lives of those living with mental ill-health and promoting resilience and well-being. Action Mental Health has grown to be the largest mental health charity in Northern Ireland.

The project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy, and the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The development of the Serenity Garden was taken forward by the Time Out Programme funded by the Big Lottery through the Western Regional Alcohol Programme.

Caroline Ferguson, Service Manager, has been with AMH New Horizons Fermanagh since it first opened its doors. Reflecting on the past 25 years Caroline said, “It’s wonderful to reflect back on the past 25 years and to see how the service has grown and developed. We opened our doors here in 1991 with 12 clients and today we have more than 150 people availing of our services though AMH New Horizons and the Men’s Shed.  Our staff team, several of whom have been with us since 1991,  are enthusiastic and excited about continuing to deliver high quality, innovative programmes to local people.”

Find out more about AMH New Horizons.

Now in its sixth year the 55 mile charity cycle is taking place on 8 October.

The cycle starts in the cathedral town of Downpatrick, cycling via Tyrella towards Dundrum, along the coast road through the seaside town of Newcastle towards Annalong. Then it’s up into the Mourne Mountains, past Silent Valley and then downhill towards home through Bryansford, Maghera and Clough.

View the route at www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1599665740

Sign up now at www.granitechallenge17.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note: due to health and safety we have changed the beginning of the route.

Action Mental Health is delighted to announce our charity partnership with Fat Face, Belfast.

Fat Face have signed up to make a real difference to people living with mental ill-health across Northern Ireland.

Fat Face is a fashionable chain retailer selling outdoor casual wear and accessories for men, women and children. Fat Face proudly design and make clothes that reflect the happy, healthy lifestyles of their customers.

The branch in Victoria Square, Belfast will be raising funds and awareness of mental health over the coming months.

We are delighted to have Fat Face on board and look forward to working together.

Action Mental Health is calling on returning holiday makers to donate their leftover foreign currency to help take action on mental health.

Jonathan Smyth, Fundraising and Communications Manager with the charity, launched the appeal alongside Danske Bank’s Eddie Taylor and Lynsey Jamison.

Call into any Danske Bank across Northern Ireland to drop off your foreign, or out of circulation currency. All money raised will go towards Action Mental Health’s programme to promote mental and emotional well-being in children.