All posts by actionmentalhealth

Action Mental Health merger with New Life Counselling

Taking Action on Mental Health

Action Mental Health is delighted to announce that its merger with New Life Counselling takes effect today.

This welcome news is recognition by the Boards of AMH and NLC that by combining resources, services and expertise, there is a better chance of developing and sustaining mental health support for our communities in these challenging times. Going forward, the AMH Board is determined to tackle the disparity of support between physical and mental health services and this development is a mark of its commitment to ‘Taking Action on Mental Health’.

The new partnership takes full effect from today, April 1st, 2020, which means the two charities are now totally integrated. Whilst we are living through an unprecedented period, face to face services based at our usual locations have unfortunately been temporarily interrupted, however great efforts are now in place to continue to offer support to clients in a range of new ways. In future, once the effects of isolation and social distancing come to an end, all services will return to normal. The NLC service will, with a refreshed brand, retain its name, which is well known and recognisable to local communities, clients and professionals.

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, said:

“The Boards of Action Mental Health and New Life Counselling know there is a real need for quality counselling across Northern Ireland. By combining forces, there is a greater opportunity to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients regionally, provide greater staff security and maximise scarce resources.

“By combining AMH with such a recognisable and trusted brand we are confident that NLC will be able to develop and grow their service and reach even more communities across the region. There is a really good mix between the two organisations and existing services complement each other.  Most importantly, there is a great similarity in terms of ethos, values and commitment to best practice.   

“The current unprecedented environment is really challenging and I believe that it provides even further evidence that the merger is the best way of ensuring we continue to provide quality support to the people using all of our services. Action Mental Health is a charity focused on ‘Taking Action on Mental Health’ and we remain committed to keeping the people we support at the heart of everything we do.”

Living with an Eating Disorder and Heightened Anxiety – Covid-19

Our team at AMH everyBODY (AMH’s eating disorder service in the Southern Trust area) are still here for our clients and have devised a series of Coping Statements to help during this very uncertain and difficult time.

Coping Statements to deal with heightened Anxiety

This is an opportunity to get to know, and accept your body at rest.

It’s okay if eating and moving is different right now, because life and routine is different right now. What’s the same? You still need to eat regular meals and snacks, movement is meant to feel good, you’re allowed rest and food does not have moral value.

Now is a good time to practice self-compassion as it is normal to have heightened emotions.

You need adequate food throughout the day even if you do not leave the house.

Eating and exercise do not require compensation, they are two separate things that we do for our body, not against our bodies.

Resting is healthy, an act of self-care, healing and relaxing is needed for all of us. You can choose to rest without explanation.

We may be in a time of uncertainty, but the one thing we have in common is that we are all in the same boat together.

Like any situation in life, whilst it may feel difficult now it will pass. We will heal and we will come through this.

I have survived all of my toughest days so far, I can get through this too.

We always have choice no matter what the situation is, sometimes new choices lead us to new opportunities and strengths we didn’t know we had.

Eating is an essential need to keep me alive and well, it will help support my immune system and give me the energy to recover if I was to be unwell.

Undereating increases anxiety and lowers your ability to think clearly.

I have permission to rest. Health is multifaceted, the ability to slow down and rest is not lazy, it gives us time to heal and grow and recover.

Nourishment and rest will keep my immune system strong.

All my feelings are valid right now, my feelings matter. “I accept that I am feeling anxious right now and that is ok”

Health is not just what you’re eating and how you move your body. It’s also about what you’re thinking and saying.

The mark that you leave on the world is far more important than any number on a scale could ever tell you. You are so much more than your eating disorder would have you believe.

I still need to eat even if I’m not leaving the house, my body is still working hard for me when I’m sitting still.  My heart is still beating, my brain and body need still need glucose and energy.

Dealing with stress and anxiety is exhausting, it is understandable if I need more time to rest.

Calories are life giving energy, not something to be feared.

Even if I’m struggling with my body image I still need to eat. There is no body size where you become unworthy of food.

Some strengths are only realised in times of uncertainty.


Now, more than ever we want to remind you that you are not alone. AMH everyBODY, Action Mental Health’s eating disorder service, in the Southern Trust area, has had to adapt to these unprecedented times, but we are still here – we are still listening and we’re still here to offer you support. Please reach out if you need to. Contact – [email protected] or 077 9088 5438.

Promote gang add a little colour to our lives amid Covid-19 crisis

AMH Promote – Action Mental Health’s service for adults with learning – is joining the global effort to brighten up our lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The clients at the Bangor based service will be creating colourful rainbows to display in their windows, as over 100,000 budding young artists of all abilities across the world put their own artistic touches to the welcome colourful arcs in the sky.

The trend, thought to have originated in Italy, among one of the worst hit countries by Covid-19, has now reached the Promote gang in Bangor. It gathered momentum in the UK and Ireland following the recent closure of schools, following the example of rainbow makers around the world who are uniting on a Facebook page Believe In Rainbows, People are using the social media platform to share their versions of the symbol in a bid to spread a bit of joy amid the pandemic.

Paintings and coloured pictures of rainbows produced so far carry messages of hope and some even reflect the Government’s message on the spread of coronavirus: “Catch it, bin it, kill it”. Other messages have been found encouraging others to “Be kind,” “Stay Safe” and “Be positive”.

AMH Promote – Action Mental Health’s service for adults with learning – is joining the global effort to brighten up our lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The clients at the Bangor based service will be creating colourful rainbows to display in their windows, as countless numbers of budding young artists of all abilities are painting and drawing across the world.

The trend, thought to have originated in Italy, which is among the first country to suffer the crippling effects of Covid-19, has now reached the Promote gang in Bangor. It gathered momentum in the UK and Ireland following the recent closure of schools.

Paintings and coloured pictures of rainbows carry messages like reflecting the Government’s message on the spread of coronavirus: “Catch it, bin it, kill it” as well as other messages urging people to “Be kind,” “Stay Safe” and “Be positive”.

Rainbow makers around the world are uniting on a Facebook page Believe In Rainbows, sharing their versions of the symbol in a bid to spread a bit of joy amid the pandemic.

Safeguarding the mental health of our brave key workers through the Covid-19 crisis

The brave workers of the NHS have been under incredible strain since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

This large band of key workers are doing extra hours, often in highly pressured environments, coupled with new social distancing restrictions. In response, our friends at Mental Health UK have compiled this helpful information which might help to lessen the burden of their physical work on their mental health.

Coping with Covid-19: taking action on mental health in the ‘new normal’

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have become a physical reality for Northern Ireland, sending us indoors for an indeterminate period.

However, as we isolate ourselves and exercise social-distancing from others when we head to the shops for necessities, it’s vital we don’t allow Covid-19 to burden our mental health with excessive worry, fear and anxiety.

Northern Ireland society, like the rest of the UK, now finds itself at the beginning of an unprecedented experience, one that few among us could have ever envisaged. Some may be viewing it as a welcome retreat from the hectic rush of modern life, but many may be fearful of the enforced isolation it now presents.

For people living with mental health issues, the stress and anxiety this ‘new normal’ heralds, may be exacerbated by the prospect of losing contact with people they depend upon. It is well established that many people living with anxiety have less tolerance to uncertainty, and in the current situation, it’s understandable that some people may feel overwhelmed and begin to catastrophise – and imagine the worst case scenario.

However, coming, as Covid-19 does, in an era of a 24/7 online world, there is a whole raft of networks, advice and virtual assistance to turn to for support (see bottom). But while help is there, it can all become too much at times, so why not adopt some of the following tips to help you cope.

MUTE

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of Covid-19 on social media, news and chat groups, it may be time to press ‘mute’.

  • Try to limit your exposure to news sources which are covering the coronavirus issue as this only serves to feed fear;
  • Ensure that you have some mental ‘downtime’ woven into your daily schedule;
  • Embrace the Five Ways to Well-Being:
    • Connect – even if you can’t physically be with your friends and loved ones, connect with them via phone, email, Skype, Facetime – whatever way you choose;
    • Be Active – exercise may be limited at the moment, but it makes us feel good and we can still go for a walk – while keeping a distance of two metres – between yourself and other people; make your home your gym by following an online video or make up a circuit of exercise in your garden;
    • Take Notice – this tip advocates stopping and pausing or take a moment to look around you now and take notice of the beautiful, new, unusual or extraordinary things in your everyday life. Even if your options are limited at the moment, there’ll be something to notice;
    • Keep Learning – these troubling times might be the perfect opportunity for you to learn a new thing, while you’re prevented from carrying on your day-to-day routine. You can access countless ‘how to’ videos online these days so why not learn a new craft or hobby, a new instrument or even a new language;
    • Give – The opportunity to give to others may be limited at the moment however, you could help an elderly neighbour in self-isolation by buying them groceries or offering to walk their dog, while still following the official hygiene advice on preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Anxiety UK promotes the APPLE technique which encourages us to Acknowledge, Pause, Pull back, Let go and Explore:

  • Acknowledge – Notice and acknowledge the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
  • Pause – Don’t react as you normally do. Don’t react at all. Just pause and breath.
  • Pull back – Tell yourself this is just the worry talking, and this apparent need for certainty is not helpful and not necessary. It is only a thought or feeling. Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements or facts.
  • Let go – Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
  • Explore – Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing and the sensations of your breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then shift your focus of attention to something else – on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else – mindfully with your full attention.

We’ve gathered up a list of sources of support you might find useful to help safeguard your mental health during these unsettling times:

A HELPING HAND

Government: Keep up to date with the latest advice and support from the government. It’s important to use trustworthy sources.

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Rethink: https://www.rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2020/03/coronavirus-advice-for-carers-of-those-with-severe-mental-illness/

Anxiety UK: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/anxiety-condition/health-anxiety/health-anxiety-fact-sheet-instant-download/ Contact Anxiety UK by email ([email protected]) or by calling the helpline on 03444 775 774 between the opening hours of 9.30am – Public Health Agency’s Minding Your Head service at https://www.mindingyourhead.info/

Parent Line: https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/Service/7157/parenting-support/parentline-ni–children-in-northern-ireland

Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Aware NI: https://www.aware-ni.org/how-we-can-help-you/aware-ni-online-support-groups.

Minding Your Head: https://www.mindingyourhead.info/

HELP FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Childline: Webchat with Childline, available 9am-midnight

Find more support for young people & students

Young Minds: Read this blog from Young Minds on what to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus; https://youngminds.org.uk/

Kooth: https://www.kooth.com/

URGENT HELP

Samaritans – 116 123

Lifeline – 0808 808 8000

Childline – 0800 1111

david babington

Important Update Regarding Action Mental Health’s Services

A message from our Chief Executive, David Babington

david babington

As everyone will be aware, the situation our society faces at present with Covid-19, is unprecedented.

Action Mental Health is first and foremost, committed to continuing to support the mental health and well-being of our clients and the staff who are there for them. We are continuing to monitor and adhere to all Public Health Agency guidance.

Given the rapidly changing picture and latest Government advice, we want to reassure all clients and service users that we are at present focusing all our efforts on developing new ways of working that will allow us to continue providing services in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, we have had to make the decision to close all Action Mental Health sites for face-to-face contact from today – Monday 23rd March 2020, until further notice.

This decision has not been taken lightly, however we feel this is now the only course of action available that will allow us to protect the health and safety of everyone concerned. These changes will apply to all of Action Mental Health’s services across Northern Ireland. We plan to move to remote working to ensure services are maintained for those who need us.

All clients are being contacted to advise them on how we will be supporting them in the coming period.

We will also continue to keep everyone updated on our website, social media channels and through our range of local services.

Whatever happens and no matter how our service delivery changes in the coming days, our commitment will not change – we will be supporting our clients wherever they are, in AMH facilities, in their home and across our local communities.

I would like to say a huge and heartfelt thanks to you, for your ongoing support, patience and understanding during this time.  I would also like to pay tribute to my AMH colleagues, who are working hard to ensure our work continues in these uncertain times. Their dedication and commitment to our clients, is clearer today than it’s ever been.

Best wishes, 

David Babington

Having the Covid-19 conversation with your children

The COVID-19 crisis is proving to be an anxious time for most of us, and with school closures, rumours of lockdowns and fake news it can be overwhelming for all of us – including our children.

Our friends at Action for Children have offered tips on how to help your children cope with stress and a host of other issues that can affect their mental health and well-being. Action for Children’s Building Sound Minds App/Website offers parents support too, with the option of an online chat or phone call with its staff throughout the UK. Visit  https://minds.actionforchildren.org.uk/

Support can also be found on the Young Minds Website https://youngminds.org.uk. It provides useful resources and advice on looking after our mental health while social distancing or self-isolating and talking to your children about coronavirus.

 Ten tips inspired by Young Minds Parents’ Helpline:

  • Try not to shield your child from the news, as it’s likely they will find out somehow
  • Talk to your child about what is going on, starting with how much they have heard so far
  • Try to answer their questions and reassure them in an age-appropriate manner. Remember, you do not need to know all the answers, but talking can help them feel calm
  • Reassure your child that it is unlikely they will get seriously ill, and if they do feel ill you will look after them. Your child might be concerned about who will look after you if you catch the virus. Let them know the kind of support you have as an adult so that they don’t feel they need to worry about you
  •  Give some practical tips to your child about how they can look after themselves. For example, show them how to wash their hands properly, and remind them when they should be doing it
  • Keep as many regular routines as possible, so that your child feels safe and that things are stable
  • Spend time doing a positive activity with your child (e.g. reading, playing, painting, cooking) to help reassure them and reduce their anxiety. This is also a great way of providing a space for them to talk through their concerns, without having a ‘big chat’
  • Encourage your child to think about the things they can do to make them feel safer and less worried
  • Be aware that your child may want more close contact with you at this time and feel anxious about separation. Try to provide this support whenever possible
  • Remember to look after yourself too. If you yourself are feeling worried, or anxious about coronavirus, talk to someone you trust who can listen and support you
  • There are more resources on the Young Minds website to help families cope with sleep difficulty and stress-related issues.

There are also helpful apps on mindfulness and mediation, including Headspace, Calm and Insight Timer. 

Further help

Lifeline – support for those in distress or despair:  0800 808 8000

Childline 0800 1111

Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

Samaritans 24 hour helpline – 116 123

Parent Line NI operate a WebChat through www.ci-ni.org.uk Monday to Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am -5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.Helpline on 0808 8020 400 to avail of any of these services. Opening hours are, Monday to Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am -5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

24 Hour Domestic and Sexual violence Helpline 0808 802 1414