AMH New Horizons Foyle celebrates clients’ achievements

Clients at Action Mental Health’s recovery service in the north west have been celebrating their successes in the year of the pandemic, achieving a host of brand new qualifications.

Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Foyle has maintained the spotlight on mental health despite the restrictions of the Covid-19 outbreak by supporting clients’ pursuit of a variety of recognised vocational courses.

Action Mental Health has nine New Horizons services across Northern Ireland, offering clients a comprehensive programme of specialist training courses, tailoring programmes to suit individuals’ personal needs.

Clients past and present related their personal journeys through New Horizons, including a number who have progressed on to employment and further training following the achievement of certificates and qualifications.  Some 66 clients received 243 certificates for a variety of vocational, personal development and employability courses.

Colleen Harkin, Assistant Director of Community Adult Mental Health Services, Western Trust, joined the celebrations at AMH New Horizons Foyle this week, praising AMH staff for their hard work in supporting clients throughout a very difficult time.

“AMH’s mission statement, ‘to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being’ was certainly confirmed by the clients who and shared their journeys, reflecting on the positive impact of engaging in a service that provides person centred programmes and demonstrates passion, empowerment, excellence and respect as well as the benefits of peer support,” she said.

Opening the proceedings, AMH New Horizons Foyle’s Service Manager, Pauline Flanagan commented: “What we have selected here as clients’ key achievements are really a summary which will only skim the surface of the many milestones achieved by them, and the day to day work carried out by staff.”

“We would like to thank AMH personnel, senior management, the Board and funders for all their contributions in helping staff on the ground to do their job through this most difficult of times,” she added. “We look forward with confidence in continuing to work together to improve outcomes for local people.”

Guests were treated to a snapshot video diary of recovery programmes engaged in both virtually and face to face during the last year.   Clients’ work, including arts and crafts, was on display, showcasing a diverse range of skills and talents. 

Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, David Babington commented: “I have been particularly conscious of the disproportionate impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on all clients registered with AMH who already face inequalities and barriers in their lives, so I am very impressed by all that has been achieved over the year. Through strong partnership working and effectively listening, AMH staff have been responsive, offering the correct support at the right time, in the right way.”

Clients at AMH New Horizons achieved their certificates through the “Working it Out” project, which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2021, the Department for the Economy and the five Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts.