Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt MLA visited Action Mental Health Foyle this week to hear first-hand just how vital the services are to local people facing mental health challenges. The Minister met with both staff and clients as he received a tour of the charity’s new base in the city centre. Action Mental Health has been providing support in Foyle for over thirty years, but last year relocated to Pump Street, a much more central and accessible site for clients.

Clients at Action Mental Health Foyle are supported through the charity’s Mental Health Recovery & Employability Service which offers a mix of personal development, social and recreational activities, as well as accredited training aimed at supporting people to recover from mental ill-health, rebuild their lives and to find employment.

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, listened intently to stories from clients who told him how much the service means to them, and how, for many being referred to Action Mental Health has been a life-saving and life-changing experience.

He said: “I am very aware of the vital role that the community and voluntary sector play in the provision of mental health services at a local level. I have been impressed with the range of person-centred services and support on offer to clients of all ages at the centre, working in partnership with local GPs and the Western Trust, in order to ensure that help and advice is available to those who need it.”

Action Mental Health Chief Executive, David Babington said, “We want thank the Minister for taking time to visit our Foyle service to meet with staff and clients. Our services offer a key support to statutory mental health services right across Northern Ireland, services that we know are under enormous pressure. We discussed with the Minister ways in which organisations such as Action Mental Health can work even more closely with the statutory mental health sector to improve outcomes for people in need of support.

“For anyone who is looking for information on how to access support through Action Mental Health, there is more details on our website at https://www.amh.org.uk/services/“

Action Mental Health are closed for the bank holiday on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th July 2025. We will reopen on Wednesday 16th July.

If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Trained counsellors are available by phone 24/7.

Regards,
Action Mental Health

Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) is a vital opportunity to shine a light on all aspects of wellbeing for men.

While there is, rightly, a huge focus on physical health, awareness of your mental health matters just as much. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a persistent cough or a back injury, it’s important to pay attention to ongoing stress, low mood, or anxiety.

To mark Men’s Health Week, we’re exploring why it’s so important for men in Northern Ireland to get support for mental health issues.

Note: This article mentions suicide.

Men’s mental health in Northern Ireland

One in five adults in Northern Ireland are experiencing signs of mental ill-health. However, men are statistically much less likely than women to ask for help with mental health concerns¹.

As a result, men in Northern Ireland are disproportionately affected by suicide. The most recent figures indicate that in 2021, 74% of total suicide deaths were males¹.

Many may grow up believing they have to “just get on with it” or “keep the head down”. This cultural mind-set, while often rooted in resilience, can create stigma around mental health. It also becomes a barrier to getting the support that’s needed. This can even have a knock-on effect on your physical health.

How are mental health and physical health linked?

Mental and physical health often go hand-in-hand. People experiencing mental health issues are more likely to develop physical health conditions, and vice versa².

That’s not to mention the physical side effects of mental health problems themselves. Anxiety might lead to nausea, headaches, or muscle pain, for example³. 

Likewise though, your mental wellbeing will benefit when you look after your physical health – whether through exercise or eating well. You might be surprised by how much a short 10 minute walk can boost your mood.

What can I do for my mental health?

Looking after your mental health doesn’t necessarily mean seeing a professional straight away (although that’s always a good option). Sometimes, it starts with small changes:

• Talk to someone you trust. A friend, a partner, a colleague – sometimes just saying something out loud takes the pressure off.
• Check in with yourself regularly. How are you really doing? Naming your feelings is the first step to managing them.
• Make time for things that you enjoy. Whether it’s going for a walk with the dog, joining a five-a-side team, or cooking your favourite meal, regularly taking time for yourself can make a big difference.
• Reach out if you’re struggling. There’s no shame in asking for help from your GP, a helpline, or a local charity like Action Mental Health.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, a farmer, a builder, a teacher, or a stay-at-home dad, no one is immune to life’s challenges. Everyone has mental health. Looking after it and knowing when to ask for support helps us to lead better and fuller lives.  

Where can I get support?

Action Mental Health:

• Our Men’s Sheds are an ideal place for men aged 50+ to learn and share new skills or just come along for a good chat and cup of tea.
• We also offer a high-quality, professional counselling service for adults, young people and children in Northern Ireland.

Self-help resources:

• Men’s Health Forum, organisers of Men’s Health Week, offer self-help resources, including a Man MOT for the Mind.
• Create your own Mind Plan with this NHS tool.

Helplines:

• If you are in crisis or distress, Lifeline operates 24/7– you can call them and talk to a trained counsellor on: 0808 808 8000.
• The Samaritans can also be contacted 24/7 by calling: 116 123.
• For young people, Papyrus operate HOPELINE247 at: 0800 068 41 41. Contact Childline on: 0800 1111.

References

1. Mental Health Champion (2023). Mental Health in Northern Ireland: Fundamental Facts 2023
2. Mental Health Foundation (2022). Physical Health and Mental Health
3. NHS (2025). Signs of anxiety

All 7 SES Partners (Action Mental Health, Cedar, Orchardville, Mencap, Now Group, AdaptNI, and RNIB) came together on Tuesday 3^rd June to celebrate their Annual Big Lunch event. This year the event took place in the grounds of City Hall Belfast, and what a fantastic celebration it was! 

SES Workable (NI) participants, employers and staff were proud to be joined by Mark Young and Diane Ellison from the Department for Communities and the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tracy Kelly (DUP).

It was an afternoon filled with connection, community and celebration of everything that SES makes possible across Northern Ireland through our supported employment ethos. SES currently support up to 300 participants with disabilities and health conditions in workplaces across the public, private and community sectors through a range of 1-1 tailored interventions. The programme also provides support and guidance to employers.

Patricia Kelly, Workable (NI) Service Manager with Action Mental Health said:

“I am delighted with the success of this year’s SES Big Lunch Event.  Our SES staff across the partner organisations have worked very hard to co-ordinate proceedings to ensure our afternoon was a success. In the true spirit of the Big Lunch ethos, our aim was to come together, nurture a sense of belonging and resilience, and to provide some valuable ‘time-out’ for our clients and employers. I think we certainly achieved all of this on the day, alongside raising awareness of supported employment strategies.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us – together we are building inclusive workplaces.

Workable (NI) is funded by Department for Communities. Find out more about SES.

Action Mental Health (AMH) has teamed up with Dr Jonny Bloomfield for a free all-day NetWalking event at Stormont Estate on Friday 27 June 2025. With a target of 500k steps this charity NetWalk will raise funds for vital mental health services in Northern Ireland, while helping raise awareness and well-being.

Beginning his career as a fitness coach at Ulster Rugby before becoming a physiologist at the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland, Jonny is well knownas a health and performance coach specialising in stress, sleep, exercise & nutrition. He has 20 years’ experience working in areas of high performance, across different industries and a background in sports science and exercise physiology.

So what exactly is NetWalking? Simply, it is networking while you walk, with this event targeted at anyone who fancies an informal stroll and the opportunity to make new acquaintances while raising funds for mental health. Ticking two of the ‘Take 5’ elements for mental health and well-being; connecting with others and exercising in a green space, NetWalking is widely recognised for its many feel good restorative properties and sense of community.

The concept which originated from ditching the office in favour of talking while walking, has proved very popular as it combines shared experience and the ability to have a conversation without distraction. In the world of business development, NetWalking has quite literally gained a foothold, bringing business people together away from the traditional confines of whiteboards, boardrooms and online meetings, so often associated with traditional networking.

Jonny said, “I’m delighted to be involved with this free NetWalking charity event which will help raise money for mental health services in Northern Ireland. Our usual last Friday of the month netwalk started post-Covid with a regular 10am event from Stormont Estate’s yellow ‘chatty benches’. It is really popular with new people joining every month. We take the route through the woods and then up the hill in front of Stormont, with each person usually clocking up 5000 steps – approximately 3-4 miles. It is an informal event where people are encouraged to partner up.”

 “Adding, the AMH charity NetWalk on Friday 27 June 2025 will start at the yellow chatty benches just inside the main gates. This special event offers up the opportunity to be involved in one to five netwalks with starting times of 8am, 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm.  We have a sign-up target of 100 people to collectively achieve 500k steps so please share this event with your family, friends and networks.”

Testimonials from the Last Friday Netwalk at Stormont –

“The Netwalking group has become my benchmark for the month, a space I always look

forward to. It’s welcoming, uplifting, and Jonny sets such a warm, inclusive tone that

meaningful conversation just flows. It is connection, community, and a breath of fresh air all

in one!” – Regular Netwalker, Amanda Barr, Breakup & Divorce Coach

“So glad I joined the Netwalking group for my first dander round Stormont Estate Friday

30th May. Such a welcoming and friendly bunch. Got to have some interesting chats and

meet like-minded people.” – 1 st Timer May 2025, Benny McClure, E M Gray & Co

“Netwalking has been amazing for me. I would usually avoid traditional networking as it can

feel stuffy and forced. This is the exact opposite. Casual and friendly with everyone genuinely

nice and wanting to support each other.” – Regular Netwalker, Matt Greer, Navigate IFA

AMH Fundraising and Engagement Officer, Iain McCarthy said, “As walking and talking helps generate conversation organically, this method of exercise and chatting is a catalyst for creativity, as the rhythm of walking helps with idea formation. Additionally, this informal meeting method helps build connections on a level playing field, making it an enjoyable but dynamic experience. It’s well-being that goes beyond the confines of walls. This event is for everyone from all walks of life and for most fitness levels.”

To get involved please sign up as an individual or group at [email protected] 

To donate online please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/netwalk-stormont

Oggie, Oggie, Oggie Oi, Oi, Oi

Oggie is back with his next epic challenge, set to hit 800 official marathons within 800 weeks and donate £800 to help vital mental health services in Northern Ireland. All of this just days after he celebrates his 68^th birthday on 1 May 2025, when he runs this year’s Moy Park Belfast City Marathon for Action Mental Health again.

From competing in the Belfast City Marathon last year where he achieved his 250th sub 4hr marathon for Action Mental Health out of his total at the time, which then stood at 740 official marathons, he has since added another 60 official marathons to this total. This will amount to 800 on the day of the Belfast City Marathon on Sunday 4 May 2025.

This year, just one week before Belfast City Marathon, Oggie has also ran the London Marathon on 27 April. He revealed,

“I feel quite blessed and lucky that I am fit enough to always qualify for the bigger major marathons” explaining that he does not have a coach or a personal trainer, preferring to conduct the hard training work under his own steam in all weather conditions.

With a strict and demanding training regime, Oggie looks to future potential achievements with a measured approach saying,

“I take each day at a time and while I train on a daily basis and keep myself at optimum fitness, I’m realistic about my goals and how I may achieve them. I ran my first marathon on my 55^th Birthday, which was at the Belfast City Marathon in 2012 and I had no prior sporting history before this time, not even in my school days. I know how important exercise in general is for mental health; it’s great for mind, body and soul. Aside of my accomplishments, if I can encourage others to make sport a part of their lives, even in a small way, I will have achieved my greatest goal of all.

Adding, “We all need encouragement, it’s just that important; runners share and help one another, and I’m often asked how I do it. To this day other runners and bystanders all give me the inspiration to keep going.”

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Jonathan Smyth, Head of Communications & Fundraising, Action Mental Health said: “As a loyal supporter of Action Mental Health, Oggie reached out once again to let us know about his new personal challenge and we are absolutely thrilled to have his support and generosity once again. Oggie has pledged to donate £800 to support our vital mental health services, when he completes his challenge. We know that running, and indeed all physical activity is a great way of supporting your mental health, so we are particularly delighted to be the beneficiary of this amazing challenge and we wish Oggie well.”

In conclusion, Oggie said,

“I hope that my efforts will inspire other people to become active. I firmly believe exercising and keeping active can help not just our physical health but our mental health too. This is why I thought what better way to celebrate than to donate money from the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon to Action Mental Health, to help support the important work they do across Northern Ireland.”

If you feel inspired by Oggie’s story, run today for someone’s brighter tomorrow. Join #TeamActionMentalHealth and raise vital funds for mental health services in Northern Ireland. For more information, email [email protected].

Action Mental Health are closed for Easter until 28/04/2025.

If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Trained counsellors are available by phone 24/7.

Regards,
Action Mental Health