Oh how I wish I thought the glass was half full

Oh how I wish to get better using all my strength and might

Oh how I wish I could get a restful sleep at night.

Often I feel very sad, down and blue

Oh how I wish people could be honest and true

Sometimes I feel poorly, sick and ill

Oh how I wish I could be fixed with a pill

I can be contacted through phone, mail or fax

Oh how I wish I could learn to relax

I feel part of my life my illness did rob

Oh how I feel I could still do my job

Somedays are good and somedays are bad

O how I wish I wouldn’t feel so sad

Often my heart races so  fast I feel I’m dying

Oh how I wish I could stop this constant crying

When I broke my leg it was fixed with a cast

Oh how I wish I could forget about the past

At times I felt good, like a proper superhero

Oh how I wish I wouldn’t feel like zero

Often I feel grey and dull from this has begun

Oh how I wish I felt bright like the sun

Sometimes I feel I can’t deal with my issues

Oh how I wish I wouldn’t need so many tissues

Often I feel that I am not a good wife

Oh how I wish I could get a handle on life.

I understand life is not always a picnic in the park

Oh how I wish my life wasn’;t so dark

I love my family to me they are very dear

Oh how I wish I wasn;’t so consumed by fear

Everyday I fight negativity with all my might

Oh how I wish there was a silver lining in sight

Somedays I am laughing, somedays in a huff

Oh how I wish my head wasn’t full of rubbish stuff

Often I wake and could be in a good or bad mood

Oh how I wish more people understood

Sometimes I fee like winter, cold, windy and rain

Oh how I wish I didn’t feel in so much pain

I never know what role people want me to play

Oh how I wish I didn’t feel this way

It’s the end of the poem I have nothing more to say

Oh how I wish I was better…………One Day

by Tracy

Social Networking sites are websites where you can create a profile all about yourself and keep in touch with friends. On these sites you can also upload photos, music and videos to share with people, and on some sites, have 1-2-1 chats with people. Popular social networking websites include MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Bebo. They are used by people of all ages and some people have profiles on more than one website.

Why is it good?

Keeping in contact with friends and renewing past friendships is one of the main benefits of social networking. Even if you have a friend who lives far away, social networking sites allow individuals from all around the world opportunity to maintain convenient and accessible contact. This provides us with a window to learn new things about distant countries, people and cultures.

Why can social networking be bad sometimes?

While the benefits of social networking sites are undeniable, it is important to recognise and understand the downside of social networking. The most common danger can involve individuals who claim to be someone they are not. This is because meeting someone face to face and deciding if they are who they say they are is much easier than deciding over an online conversation. The fact that we cannot see the person or hear their voice for example, makes the decision much more difficult.

Another problem with social networking sites is that they provide an environment for cyber bullying to take place. Cyber bullying is when a person, or a group of people, uses the internet to tease or abuse someone. Many users of social networking sites feel anonymous and lose their normal self-restraint behind a computer screen. That which starts as a minor face to face disagreement can develop into a nasty and persistent attack via a social networking site. It is against the law to bully someone in this way and if someone is being mean or threatening you, something can be done to stop them.

If you are being bullied through the internet you can stop it by:

• Talking to someone you trust like a parent or teacher.
• Not replying to any messages you receive form the bullies.
• Keeping a copy of the abusive emails or messages that you receive and when they were sent to you.
• Never giving out any personal details on the internet such as your real name, address, age or phone number.
• Changing your online nicknames or user ID to something different.
• Blocking the email address or deleting the person as a friend if the bullying is taking place on a social networking site like facebook.

Is it safe to meet up with someone you have met on a social networking site?

It is not a good idea to arrange to meet people that you have chatted to online, as you can never be sure if they are who they say they are. If you do decide to meet up with them, tell someone you trust, such as a parent, that you want to do this. Arrange to meet in a public place and take a trusted adult with you.

By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online, but there are some extra tips which you can follow to make sure you are safe while using the internet.

How you can create a safe social networking profile.

• Set your privacy settings so only people you trust can look at your profile.
• Protect yourself by not posting information about your movements.
• Be careful when it comes to putting on photographs – if you are not happy with the whole world seeing it, then do not post it.
• Watch what you share. Never put your personal address, phone number or full name on a social networking site.
• Only add/accept people as friends if you know them in person.

To report suspicious behaviour online contact CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre), which offers advice to parents and young people on using the internet safely.  In addition, The CEOP now has an emergency button on most social networking sites, so young people and parents have a way to report suspect contacts and find out more about the problem.

For more information on staying safe on the internet visit:

www.ceop.police.uk

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

www.childline.org.uk

www.chatdanger.com

If you would like further information on local organisations and sources of support, please do not hesitate to contact us at AMH MensSana on 02838 392314 or e-mail rtallon@amh.org.uk. Confidentiality will be respected at all times.

Presenting the awards this year will be special guest the actress and performer, Olivia Nash, best known for playing “Ma” in BBC’s “Give My Head Peace”.  A total of 70 clients will receive awards including NVQ’s in Horticulture, European Computer Driving Licence as well as many OCN accredited qualifications in a variety of subjects such as Confidence Building, Information Technology and Employability.

The special Endeavour Award will be presented and there is also an award for Photographer of the Year and this year’s Pool Champion!

The event starts at 2pm

The AMH Gang in the Great Hall

Our Christmas Celebrations got off to a wonderful start, when AMH were invited to take part in the “annual switching-on of the Christmas lights” in Parliament Buildings.  The event, hosted by The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA, was dedicated to people who face the daily challenge of living with mental health issues and attended by a range of guests including the Health Committee and other Mental Health Organisations.

The Speaker welcomed his guests, and Ann Donnelly, who works closely with AMH in Craigavon & Banbridge, kicked off the evening by performing a monologue entitled “Persona Non Grata”.  David Babington, CEO AMH then spoke briefly about the work of AMH, followed by Bronagh McVeigh from AMH New Horizons Newry, who talked about living with mental ill health and her road to recovery.  The evening concluded with Dinner.

David Babington CEO, Speaker William Hay MLA, Lynda Bryans AMH Patron

David Babington said, 

“I’d particularly like to thank the Speaker for recognising the important issue of mental health.  Mental Illness is not going to go away, quite the contrary, the number affected in our community is growing and likely to increase particularly in these challenging economic times. At this festive event, it is worth pausing and thinking how all of us can work together to help those people living with mental ill health. “

 “The Colour Me Beautiful course has given me confidence in choosing clothes and make-up.” ALMA

“The Colour Me Beautiful course has shown me how to feel confident in my appearance and body shape”  LAURA

“With having a young child I found the First Aid course very interesting and useful”  WENDY

“I found the Yoga course relaxing and my body seems more toned.  It made me feel more health conscious about my wellbeing” MARK

“Found the Yoga course very good at relieving stress and anxiety” ANGELA

“The Crafts course was interesting and made me think about different things I’d like to do.  It lifted my mood when I felt low.” AMANDA

“Very interesting group.  The Craft course was great.  It brings out the best in people.” KATE

“The Craft course has helped me mix with people gain.  It has also brought me out of myself and I communicate better with people.  I have learned crafts I never thought I could do.  It has been a great help to my mental health” ANGELA

“Found the Positive Steps course very enjoyable.  Varied topics and activities.  Lots of useful information on services available in the area and support.” JAYNE           

“The Stress Management course was a great chance for me to change my thoughts and behaviour when challenging negative thoughts.  Attending my first course was very frightening.  New people, the unknown.  As this course has passed I have become more settled mentally and look forward so much to seeing the group.  I have become stronger to face my fears of negative situations.” CAROL

“The Stress Management course was quite an eye opener.  It helped me to unload some feelings/emotions.  Its gave me an awareness of things I easily can do to help myself and my wellbeing.”RODNEY

“The course has helped and enhanced my interest in photography.  It has shown me that I can be more confident in taking and editing photos.  I am also now spending more time outdoors which has improved my confidence and self esteem.”  JIM

“Altogether the course was good as it helped my communications with people.”  ROBERT

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this course.  I have made progress in this specific skillset, moreover the fun, craic and camaraderie of the other students.  I would particularly like to thank Carrie for her energy, sense of fun and her style of presenting her vast knowledge so professionally.” NOEL 

  “I am enjoying the course very much.  Mandy is great at what she does in all ways.  I look forward to coming each week which is good as it gives me the chance to commit to something.  We did our first exam on File Management and I passed WOW!!  It gives me a boost to my morale because I never thought it would be possible for me to achieve this.  I like to give a big thumbs up and to say thank-you for giving me the opportunity to do these courses.”   RODNEY

 “As with all ECDL courses/units I have found them very helpful and use what I have learnt to help my children.  It helps my wellbeing as Mandy is a fantastic tutor who keeps you focused but helps you to remain calm and confident.”   BARBARA                      

“Enjoyed the course, learning new skills as well as refreshing skills I forgot I had!  Increased my confidence when using computers, comfortable with the tutor who is approachable.  Able to freely ask questions or for help.”   JAYNE 

The course that has been the most important to me was Developing Personal Confidence and Self Awareness Course. It has given me the confidence to attend activities that I would have been too nervous to attend in the past, such as Guitar skills, Creative crafts, Art as well as building my social skills.

Currently I am attending ECDL classes this is the European Computer Driving Licence. I have passed five modules to date: Word Processing, File Management, Databases, Spreadsheets and Information and communication and have 2 still to complete. I attend a class each week for 2 hours and hope that I will have completed this course by Christmas. Though I was very nervous about the exams at the start, I even initially avoided attending the course on the days we planned to do exams, I am now getting more confident and am happy to say I have even attained 100% in one of my assessments.

I have also completed Preparation for work. It is my long term goal to return to paid work. This course was good as it has been a long time since I have had to apply for work. It has brought me up to date with the processes and I am now attending preparation for Employment. I hope that the contents of this course : Building a CV, Filling in application forms and interview skills will help me continue to develop my confidence and apply for employment when I am well enough.

Through the confidence I have received attending courses at Accept I have joined the Lisburn CUP group as a service user representative and have recently received training to be a member of recruitment panels for the South Eastern Health Trust.

I find staff the very supportive and feel physically and mentally safe and supported at AMH Accept. Before attending Accept I found it difficult to leave the house and socialise, worrying I would have a seizure or be judged because of my mental health problems. I am now out of the house 4 days / week. And also try to get out in the evenings to go walking with my friends.

Thanks for the funding it has really made a difference to the service users at Accept.

When I first started with AMH, well for a start you wouldn’t have gotten me up here speaking to a room full of people, but more than that, I was introverted almost to the point of being a hermit and I was a bad tempered wee sod to boot; without their help, I probably wouldn’t be here today.

I started in AMH to help get myself back into work, I’m still not quite at that point yet but I’m far closer than I would have been otherwise, mostly thanks to the courses that I have attended.

I had attended a media class in Tec before coming to New Horizons but had been unable to finish it because of work, so when the offer of a film course came up I practically jumped at it. The film was a short documentary about how Downpatrick and how it changed between the 50’s & the 80’s, we did it in the style of an oral history, interviewing some of the more well know characters in the town, people who had been there long enough to really know, and be able to tell us how our town had changed and tell us in their opinion if it had changed for the better or worse, I have to admit, I learned a lot working with all these amazing people from my hometown, that I never would have gotten to know otherwise.

During the course of making the film those of us on the crew worked hard together to produce the best quality of film we could, it was great for teambuilding, I made friends on that shoot that I’m still in touch with and that I wouldn’t replace for the world. Everybody tried their hand at pretty much every part of production from camera and sound work to directing some shots and even taking the interviews, personally I preferred working with the camera. Following on from this the film premiered in the local cinema, we somehow managed to fill the screen not only on the premier night but on a second night when we were presented with our certificates for completing the course, I’ll be honest I was petrified on both occasions, I didn’t want to even go to either premier but I did and I’m glad for it because everyone who saw the film, on both occasions were complementary of it while I was doing my best to hide they sought out myself and the other crew members to congratulate us on a job well done, it was a huge boost to my confidence, even today whenever I’m feeling low or nervous about something I think back to those nights and smile thinking of the nice things they said. It turned out that much to my surprise, the course was being graded, I got an A. It was the first A that I had received at that level, equivalent to an A at GCSE something I never managed when I was in school, it might not seem like much but to me it was a big deal and something I’m still proud of.

I think doing this course sparked, or at least, reminded me of something I enjoyed, because since completing it I’ve been a very different person, I’m more open, friendly, admittedly you still couldn’t call me an extrovert or the life of the party by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m more willing to try and I’m more accepting of change, something I have always struggled with in the past. I’ve since moved onto doing a drama course with AMH and we put on a small production a few months ago, hopefully the results will come back as positive as the film. AMH and the courses it runs are responsible for rekindling my inner flame and I am forever grateful for the work they’ve done to help me. Thank you all for taking the time to listen to me ramble on, it’s been a pleasure speaking to you all today.