At the Table Exhibition – The MAC, Belfast

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 19^th 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.”