Action Mental Health are closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August 2025. We will reopen on Tuesday 26th August.
If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Trained counsellors are available by phone 24/7.
Regards,
Action Mental Health
Maria began her journey with Action Mental Health Foyle in January 2025, enrolling on the SPF SkillSET programme with a clear ambition — to open her own skin care business. As a lone parent, she carefully prioritised her time, starting with the AMH induction programme, where she was supported to develop a personalised training plan outlining the practical steps to turn her aspiration into reality.
From the outset, Maria immersed herself in both accredited and non-accredited pre-employment training to understand employer and customer expectations, develop professional standards, and strengthen her workplace skills. She successfully achieved her OCN Level 2 in Principles of Customer Care, completed a six-week Career Preparation course, and undertook the eight-week Biz Basics programme. Each stage of her learning was underpinned by mental health awareness training to ensure her wellbeing remained supported throughout her journey.
On 6th July, Maria proudly launched her skin care business, Ethereal Bliss, during an AMH business start-up event held in the ‘Garden of Reflection’ in L’Derry. Alongside five other AMH clients, she embarked on her path to entrepreneurship.
With the continued guidance of her Key Worker, Allison McLaughlin, Maria applied for and secured additional support to grow her business. Her determination paid off when she was selected for the prestigious AIB–TU Dublin Self-Employment Course for Persons with Disabilities — outshining 40 applicants to secure one of just 20 places, each valued at €1,250.
This fully sponsored programme covers her TU Dublin course fees and provides access to essential business development tools, including a license for specialist online software to create her business plan. She will also benefit from a dedicated Business Mentor and support from the Open Doors Initiative, offering further opportunities to expand her enterprise.
Reflecting on her experience, Maria shared:
“I cannot stress enough the numerous benefits in engaging with Action Mental Health SkillSet project for enhancing employability and career prospects for people with mental ill-health. The SkillSET programme provided me with opportunities for personal and social development, built my confidence, and improved essential workplace skills. I’ve gained relevant qualifications, valuable experience, and the support needed to progress towards my entrepreneurial dream.”
SkillSET is an employment programme providing support to adults with health conditions and/or disabilities. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Action Mental Health delivers the programme across Northern Ireland, helping people with mental health issues to build their skills through education, training and access to volunteering, further education and the workplace. If you would like to know more information, or enquire about our SkillSET programme.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
All 7 SES Partners (Action Mental Health, Cedar, Orchardville, Mencap, Now Group, AdaptNI, and RNIB) came together on Tuesday 3rd 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
Join Us for a Night under the Stars to Support Mental Health
On Friday, June 20th, 2025, people across Northern Ireland and beyond will come together to “Camp Out for Someone”, a unique fundraising event in support of Action Mental Health. Whether it’s wild camping in the great outdoors or setting up a tent in the back garden, participants will take part in an unforgettable night under the stars, embracing the power of nature and community.
Timed to coincide with the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 21st, this event is designed to bring people together, encouraging them to wake up with the sunrise and make the most of the longest day of the year. Through participation, fundraising, and social media engagement, supporters will help raise awareness and vital funds for mental health services across Northern Ireland.
