Today marks the end of an era for AMH New Horizons Newry as Service Manager, Brian Hughes retires from the organisation after over 36 years of dedicated service.
Brian has truly made his mark, making a massive contribution to improving mental health services in the wider Newry area and helping to support the recovery of many local people during that time.
He started when the organisation was known as the Industrial Therapy Organisation (ITO) and has held several roles during his time with AMH including:
Woodwork Instructor
Senior Supervisor
Assistant Manager
Deputy Manager
Service Manager
Everyone at Action Mental Heath wishes Brian a very happy retirement as he takes up this chance to spend a lot more time with his family.
1 in 4 UK adults suffer with a diagnosed mental health problem. Despite this, a study by CIPD revealed that 85% of employees still believe that there is a stigma attached to discussing mental health at work, whilst 58% wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing mental ill-health with their manager. Talking about mental health at work isn’t always easy. It’s common to worry about how this conversation may impact your working relationships or career growth. Yet creating an open dialogue about your mental health with your manager can be vital in ensuring that you have the support needed to thrive inside and outside of the workplace. We’ve compiled three tips to make tackling the taboo around workplace mental health a little easier:
Decide who you want to tell and how much information you want to give. It’s entirely up to you how much information you want to disclose and to whom. For instance, you may not wish to share the personal circumstances which have exacerbated your mental health concerns, but do need your workplace to know how your mental health is impacting your working life. Similarly, you may wish to tell the human resources department about your health, but do not wish for this to be discussed with your supervisor or colleagues.
Think about support you may need. In order to ensure your employer can best support you with your mental health, it can be useful to think about measures that may be helpful to you at this time. Maybe you need to adjust your working hours or reduce your workload? Perhaps remote working may be beneficial or you’re wondering how to access professional support? Many companies implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) which outline available resources to support employee wellbeing. It’s also okay if you don’t know what help you need right now. Try to be as honest as possible with your employer about the areas you’re struggling with so that they can help you strategize suitable support.
Know your rights. The Equality Act (2010) protects disabled people, including those with a mental illness, from unfair treatment. A mental illness is considered a disability when it has had a long-term impact on your normal day-to-day activity. In this instance, your employer has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for you to avoid disadvantage. These adjustments may include changes to your work environment, time off for treatment or changes to working hours. To find out more about the Equality Act (2010) visit: https://www.gov.uk/when-mental-health-condition-becomes-disability
While it can seem easier said than done, talking about your mental health to your employer is a courageous step towards a happier and healthier future. For further details regarding how AMH Works can support your workplace, visit: https://www.amh.org.uk/services/amh-works/
Lauren currently works as a trainer within Action Mental Health Works which centres on reducing stigma and improving mental wellbeing in Northern Irish workplaces. Having gained the National Academic Performance Award and a first class honours degree in Psychology, Lauren’s professional pursuits have largely centred on reducing stigma and promoting early intervention for those suffering from mental ill health. Lauren has gained a breadth professional of experience within the mental health sector including complex mental health, homelessness, addiction, eating disorders and therapeutic intervention. Lauren has also taken an active role within the charitable sector. She is currently a committee trustee for both the Lawrence Trust and the Eating Disorders Association NI.
Libraries NI has announced a new three year charity partnership agreement with Action Mental Health.
The official launch took place in Lisburn City Library on Thursday 29 June with Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI and David Babington Chief Executive from Action Mental Health signing a memorandum of understanding.
Staff from across Libraries NI took part in the process to select a new charity and Action Mental Health was chosen, emphasising the importance of mental health and wellbeing for the library service. Members of staff across the network of libraries will now be involved in fundraising activities over coming months.
Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said:
“I am delighted to announce this partnership and I look forward to working with Action Mental Health to provide helpful support and advice for library customers whilst also raising awareness of the important services and help provided by the charity. Libraries provide an essential welcoming space and this agreement will help to support customers in communities across Northern Ireland.”
David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health said:
“It gives me great pleasure to be able to help launch this exciting new fundraising partnership with Libraries NI. It is especially encouraging that Libraries NI staff have been central to choosing Action Mental Health as their partner, and wishing to focus on supporting mental health. As an organisation we work across Northern Ireland, helping to improve mental health for thousands of people every year and we simply couldn’t do that without the support of the local community and partners such as Libraries NI.”
Across Northern Ireland, thousands of young people will be anxiously awaiting the outcomes of their A-Levels and GCSE exams. The culmination of months of hard work and preparation; exam results day can evoke a mix of emotions in young people, from anticipation and excitement to stress and worry. In this article, we explore ways to recognize, manage, and help support young people to deal with stress, and aid both students and families in this challenging period. We have also prepared a handy guide with tips and links which you can download below.
Understanding Exam Results Stress
Feeling worried or anxious about exam results is completely normal. It’s essential to recognize the impact that this stress can have on mental and physical wellbeing. Individuals may experience disrupted sleep patterns, changes in appetite, persistent headaches, and difficulty in concentrating. To support young people during this period, both awareness and proactive strategies are key.
Support Strategies for Young People
Open Up and Talk: Don’t bottle up your emotions – remember, you are not alone, there are thousands of young people who will be feeling exactly the same way. Reach out to friends, family, or teachers as they can provide valuable insights and comfort.
Prepare for Different Outcomes: Plan for the best and worst outcomes, and what to do if you don’t get the results you need. Researching your options for the next steps is positive and proactive. Regardless of the outcome, plan something nice to do on results day as a treat, this can provide a sense of relief, and reward for your efforts.
Maintain Routine and Hobbies: Keeping busy and engaged can be a powerful distraction. Continue pursuing your hobbies and maintain your daily routines. This can prevent overthinking and provide a sense of normality.
Seek Support on Results Day: Having someone with you when you get your results may help ease your anxiety. A friend, family member, or teacher can offer reassurance and guidance. A good support network can help you as you discuss your options and make informed decisions moving forward.
Avoid Unhealthy Comparisons: In the age of social media, the urge to compare yourself to others can be strong. Remember, everyone has different strengths and areas of growth. Success should be measured against personal achievements and goals.
Advice for Parents/Guardians
Provide Encouragement: Show interest in your child’s academic journey, but avoid placing excessive pressure on them. Your encouragement can motivate them without increasing their stress levels.
Recognize their hard work and effort, regardless of the outcome. Praising their determination can boost their self-esteem and resilience.
Remind young people that exam results are just one aspect of their abilities. Encourage them to see their strengths and potential beyond the results.
Be available to listen without judgment. Your support can make a significant difference in how they perceive and handle stress.
Exam result stress is a natural response to a significant life event, but it doesn’t have to define a young person’s self-worth or future direction. By fostering open communication, preparing for various outcomes, and offering consistent encouragement, we can empower young people to navigate this chapter of their lives with resilience and confidence. Remember, exam results are just one part of a larger journey toward personal growth and achievement.
Over the last few months, Action Mental Health New Horizon clients have been working with The MAC to create artwork for their ‘At The Table’ exhibition. This was part of a series of events which Action Mental Health clients had been involved in under the theme of ‘Uninvited Guest’. The thinking behind the theme is that people living with depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD or other mental health issues do not invite them into their lives but inevitably have to deal with these circumstances. Clients have worked with artists from The MAC and AMH staff to create upcycled chairs, fused glasswork, pyrography, photographs, poems, prose and drama based on this theme.
On 19th May, The MAC hosted a Community Dialogue conversation on behalf of Action Mental Health. Hosted by Jim O’Neill from Community Dialogue (https://www.communitydialogue.org/) this event successfully brought together clients of Action Mental Health and invited guests, including health professionals and The Mental Health Champion to discuss mental health in Northern Ireland, while weaving in people’s lived experiences. This discussion was incredibly useful and enabled a 360 degree view of people experiencing mental ill health in Northern Ireland, whether through lived experience or in their chosen career.
You can see pictures of some of the wonderful client produced artwork below as well as pictures from the conversation.
On the success of the event, Action Mental Health New Horizons Manager Aisling Doherty said, “I’m so grateful to all who participated in today’s event. It was a productive conversation and hearing so many different perspectives has had a positive effect on all. We had representatives from the Health Trusts, the PSNI, and those who are using creative and alternative approaches to mental health recovery. Thanks also to the Mental Health Champion, Siobhan O’Neill, who gave updates on the Mental Health Strategy and answered questions from our clients. A special thanks to our clients who spoke so poignantly about their lived experiences of mental health in Northern Ireland.”
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play in our communities.
This years theme is ‘Recognising and supporting carers in the community.’ #CarersWeek
What Action Mental Health are highlighting
Last year Action Mental Health launched a new service called the Mindful Carers Project. This project supports unpaid carers, young carers and carers of those with complex needs across NI through a range of programmes provided both face to face and online. (find out more here)
As part of the Mindful Carers Project, a Carers’ Advocacy Panel has been created to enable carers to highlight and campaign on issues related to carers’ mental health. With them we have created a number of resources below for Carers Week 2023.
Resources for Carers Week 2023
Self Compassion Guide for Carers
We are all unique, our caring roles are unique, and how we deal with difficulty will be unique too. This guide will provide some small, doable activities to help look after your wellbeing. They might not all be for everyone but the aim of it is to help you find what works for you and give you the ability to show yourself some kindness and compassion when it’s needed most.
We sat down with three Carers from our Carers Advocacy Panel who share some of their stories of how caring has impacted them and some things they do to help maintain good mental health.
Sarah’s Story
Deborah’s Story
Charlotte’s Story
A New Deal for unpaid carers in Northern Ireland
As part of the Coalition of Carers Organisations NI we are also highlighting the ‘A New Deal for unpaid carers in Northern Ireland‘ report.
The report was co-designed with over 240 unpaid carers in Northern Ireland and sets out the priority policy changes they want to see in the realms of health and social care, welfare, housing, employment and more.
Action Mental Health’s Chief Executive, David Babington has expressed extreme concern at the findings highlighted in the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report: “Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland” which has just been published. While many of the findings are sadly unexpected, the report emphasises the very stark reality for local mental health services. The report clearly states “the successful implementation of NI’s 10-year Mental Health strategy is at risk without sustained, additional investment.” The report also shows that spending on mental health here is around 32% less per capita than in other parts of the UK, and estimates that we would need to spend around £190m extra per annum to bring us in line with elsewhere in the UK. Conversely however, the report also stated that Mental Health’s share of overall health budget has fallen between 2010-11 & 2019-20. Following this theme it suggests a funding gap in the region of £8m in 2019-20 for vital CAMHS services
Overall, the report shows that even with the highest need, Northern Ireland still has the lowest level of mental health funding across the British Isles. This is undoubtedly contributing to many people not receiving the support they need in a timely fashion and the report also shows how waiting lists have increased since pre-pandemic. At the time of writing 16,000 people were on a waiting list. Around half of those on mental health waiting lists wait longer than the nine and 13-week target standards, with particular issues identified in relation to psychological therapies.
It should also be noted that the figures quoted in this report are based on previous years and will not take account of the current budgetary challenges facing services in Northern Ireland. Organisations in the voluntary sector, such as Action Mental Health, have already had to reduce services across Northern Ireland since April 2023, due to severe budget cuts already imposed and further, future uncertainty. These cuts in the voluntary sector will only be compounded by further reductions in statutory services as we move forward. In addition the report also doesn’t cover the undoubted impacts the cost of living crisis is having on the mental health of our population right now.
David Babington commented “The current situation is untenable, we need urgent action to see local Government restored and significant additional funding from Westminster to address these issues which are impacting on the lives of thousands of people across Northern Ireland, many of whom are really struggling and extremely vulnerable.”
Under his guidance, the Managing the Challenge program underwent a complete transformation, aligning with key objectives set by health professionals from the WH&SCT. The revamped program has been successfully rolled out, with plans to deliver 25 courses throughout the year in both in-person and remote sessions.
David’s commitment to excellence extended beyond program development, as he trained seven new Associate trainers to ensure high standards of delivery. The programme has moved from a licensed programme to one that belongs to AMH and provides the flexibility to adapt and change content to reflect more individual and client needs.
David’s innovative approach to program design also included creating online flip-books enriched with valuable resources and videos, as well as visually appealing posters and engaging social media content using Canva. He also collaborated with other organizations to make the program accessible to marginalized groups, employing strategies derived from various fields of psychology.
Throughout his tenure, David consistently pursued excellence, setting clear, target-focused goals and establishing the program as a benchmark for quality and effectiveness. He played a vital role in transitioning the program to be fully owned by AMH, facilitating improved communication and empowering clients to actively engage in their recovery.
Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington congratulated David on his achievement. ‘David Tierney has made exceptional contributions and shown unwavering dedication, which will make a lasting impact on countless clients of AMH. His achievements exemplify the values of innovation, creativity, and excellence which merit the granting of this award.’
