All posts by actionmentalhealth

AMH News

Men’s Mental Health Week – Give your mental health an MOT this year

For #MensHealthWeek, men are being encouraged to give their physical and mental health an MOT this year.

Action Mental Health is very aware of the health issues that men are facing, including the stigma around how men deal with mental health issues.

Prior to the COVID 19 Pandemic, Men’s Mental Health was already a growing cause for concern, with men generally less likely to seek support for their mental health issues. The lockdowns, increased
unemployment and isolation, and other factors have only increased this concern.

What the stats say

  • Around 1 in 8 men are living with a mental health condition in the UK
  • In men under 50, suicide is the leading cause of death in the UK
  • Just over three out of four suicides (76%) are by men
  • Higher rates of suicide are also found in minority communities including gay men, veterans, men from BAME backgrounds, and those with low incomes.
  • Men report lower levels of life satisfaction
  • Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent (8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women
  • The number of men who are worried about their appearance has risen from 18% in 2009  to 23% in 2020

Looking after yourself

Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.

Be active – you don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike?

Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. It can positively change the way you feel

AMH Support

In Northern Ireland, Action Mental Health operates three Men’s Sheds for men aged 50+. Based in Downpatrick, Enniskillen and Antrim, the sheds bring men together to share their skills, have a laugh and a cup of tea while working on practical activities of their choice. It’s the perfect place for members to be themselves, a place to work at their own pace, a place to exchange ideas and learn, a place for members to support each other and build friendships. For further information please visit here.

Alongside the Sheds, Action Mental Health’s New Horizons services across Northern Ireland cater for men from 18+ supporting them back into education, employment or further training following periods of mental ill health. A number of our services also run groups specifically for younger clients – Lisburn (Speer), Foyle (Boost), Fermanagh (Boost), Antrim (Evolve). Find out more here.

AMH New Life Counselling offers a range of services to support men experiencing mental health issues.

In the past year AMH New Horizons supported 725 males while 83 men were welcomed into the Men’s Sheds. AMH New Life counselling further supported 442 male clients over the age of 18 through one-to-one counselling.

Additional Support

Speak to your GP – if you are worried about your mental health, please speak to your GP as they will be able to assess your needs and advise on suitable supports in your local area.

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

https://www.lifelinehelpline.info/

Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Two men sitting in a garden talking.
AMH News

Loneliness Awareness Week 2025 – 10 tips to help with loneliness

Purple background with white text "Loneliness Awareness Week. This week, Action Mental Health shines a welcome spotlight on how we can reduce the stigma around loneliness and improve our mental health and wellbeing" There is also a graphic of two people with their arms round each other.

Everybody feels lonely from time to time. Loneliness is a natural human emotion which can – and does – affect anyone, of any age.

As humans, we need social contact with others and feeling lonely might be a sign that you need more. However, it’s important to remember that loneliness can still occur when you have lots of social contact – you may feel misunderstood or uncared for by people around you.  

Although loneliness itself isn’t a mental health problem, it can lead to both mental and physical health issues in the long-term. So, learning to recognise when we feel lonely and taking steps to improve how we feel is vital to looking after our wellbeing.

To mark Loneliness Awareness Week 2025, we are sharing some ideas of things you can do if you are feeling lonely.

Top 10 tips to help with loneliness

  • Acknowledge how you feel – Experiencing loneliness shouldn’t be something to feel embarrassed about. Accepting that it is a normal human emotion is a great starting point to feeling better.
  • Talk to someone about it – Friends and family might not realise you are feeling lonely. Opening up about how you feel might seem intimidating, but can be the most helpful step to take. If you are experiencing long-term loneliness, contact your GP to ensure you are getting the right support.
Two men sitting in a garden talking.
  • Create ‘micro-connections’– Grab every chance to smile, wave, or begin a conversation with others – for instance, with the cashier at the shop or a neighbour across the street. These small moments of interaction with acquaintances or even strangers can help us to feel seen and give us a sense of belonging.
  • Invite friends for tea – If you’re feeling down and alone, it’s tempting to think nobody wants to visit you. But often friends, family and neighbours will appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend some time with you.
  • Keep in touch by phone – Having a chat with a friend or relative over the phone can be the next best thing to being with them.
  • Get involved in local community activities – These will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you’ll have access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and faith groups. Why not look for a local Men’s Shed in your area?
  • Learn to love computers – If your friends and family live far away, a good way to stay in touch is by using a computer or tablet. Libraries and community centres often hold regular training courses to learn basic computer skills – as well as being a good place to meet and spend time with others in their own right.
  • Fill your diary – It can help you feel less lonely if you plan the week ahead and put things in your diary to look forward to each day, such as a walk in the park or going to a local coffee shop, library, sports centre or cinema.
  • Get out and about – Don’t wait for people to come and see you, travel to visit them.
  • Help others – Charities often need volunteers to help in all sorts of roles. You could use the knowledge and experience you have gained to give something back to your community.
Two women wearing 'Volunteer' t-shirts holding a box of vegetables in a garden.

Everyone experiences loneliness differently, and what helps one person may not work for another. For example, maybe you find social media overwhelming, or maybe being part of online forums helps you connect to like-minded people. The most important thing is finding what works for you.

Useful resources

If you are in crisis or distress, please remember that 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.

AMH News

Big lunch 2022 – SES Better Together

Supported Employment Solutions (SES) consortium hosted their very own Big Lunch on Wednesday 1st June 2022, at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Belfast. Luckily, the rain stayed off and the beautiful scenes and fresh air was enjoyed by everyone.

There were people from each of the partner organisations, treats (Loaf catering), drinks, plenty of smiles and lawn games!!! The Eden project provided flower seeds with their Big Lunch Pack, the SES consortium planted these as a group, reflecting the strength of an overall approach to Specialist Employment Support.

The SES Big Lunch event provided an opportunity for participants of the Workable NI Programme to come together and share experiences, as well as the chance for employers to meet and learn more about how supported employment has worked for them.

The consortium, comprised of: Action Mental Health; RNID; RNIB; Mencap; NOW Group; Orchardville and Cedar Foundation, offer a supported employment approach in the delivery of programmes to assist people with disabilities and health conditions to enter and stay in employment. RNID will be replaced by AdaptNI from 1st July 2022. The consortium delivers the Workable NI Programme, funded by Department for Communities. In delivering Workable NI, each of the partner organisations offers specialist, tailored support to both disabled individuals and their employers, better together!

The SES Big Lunch event provided an opportunity for participants of the Workable NI Programme to come together and share experiences, as well as the chance for employers to meet and learn more about how supported employment has worked for them.

If you’re a disabled person who is keen to explore the support available, or an employer who would like to understand more information on the Workable NI Programme or how to recruit and retain disabled staff, please email [email protected]

Thanks to the Eden Project and Loaf Catering

SES – Better Together

About Us | Supported Employment Solutions (sesni.org.uk)

The Workable Programme is delivered by seven disability organisations working together through the Supported Employment Solutions (SES) partnership. SES delivers programmes to assist people with disabilities and health conditions to enter and stay in employment. The Workable Programme is funded by the Department for Communities

AMH News

Foyle AMH New Horizons Helps Smash Stigma and Start Conversations at Show Stopper Purple Picnic 

On Wednesday May 11, AMH New Horizons, Foyle, chose Guildhall Square, Derry/ Londonderry as the venue for their Great Big Purple Picnic, to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May). Themed to combat loneliness, a cup of tea and a chat was the order of the day for this annual event. 

Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, joined Colleen Harkin, Assistant Director of Western Trust Mental Health Services, David Babington, CEO Action Mental Health, Graham Warke, Mayor, Derry & Strabane District Council and colleagues from the local community mental health network to welcome and engage with visitors.

The event highlighted the 5 ways to well being through connecting, giving, learning, taking notice and being active, inviting participation through a number of unusual and thought-provoking activities, ranging from games to displays, three exhibitions and the famous book chair providing a perfect place for selfies.

AMH New Horizons Foyle promoted their ‘Don’t Lose Your Marbles’ game, a mini 9-hole golf game, taking players on a whistle stop tour of the city, while the AMH women’s group displayed a range of handcrafted items and knitted Ted Talk key rings were handed out. 

The ceramic ‘Seven Gates of the Walled City’ enhanced further debate and contemplation, alongside feted exhibited work from AMH resident artist, Pat Ross from his ‘Read Between the Lines’ and ‘Sugar Sandwich’ displays.

Pauline Flanagan, Service Manager was delighted with the success of the Purple Picnic event, commenting, “All exhibitions and activities from the event are available free to local employers & community settings to host. Hosting an exhibition or activity will help start conversations around mental health and how to maintain it, smash stigma.  Adding, Book a show stopper for your workplace wellbeing day and use this opportunity to raise much need funds for AMH Foyle.”  

AMH New Horizons support the recovery of adults experiencing mental ill health who are interested in progressing towards further education, training or employment. Clients take part in a range of courses, from therapeutic classes like arts and crafts, to accredited training and work placements through the “Working it Out” project. Working it Out is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts. 

For further information on AMH New Horizons Foyle services call 028 7137 3502.

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The “Working it Out” project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.

 

AMH News

Lifting the Weight on Mental Health

On 2nd July at the Fit XPO 2022 in Liverpool, Matthew McKeegan and Gavin McNamee from MK Strength and Fitness will be attempting world record “deadlifts” in their respective weight categories.  

They are also raising vital funds for AMH New Horizons Foyle in memory of Matthew’s father.  You can find out more about their attempts and donate here.

AMH News

Action Mental Health announce a new charity partnership with Edgewater Contracts.

Northern Ireland’s leading mental health charity, Action Mental Health (AMH), is delighted to announce their new charity partnership with Edgewater Contracts and Specialist Joinery, a construction, fit out and specialist joinery company based at Toomebridge.

Action Mental Health is a charity that changes the lives of people living with mental health issues and promotes resilience and wellbeing throughout our community.

On announcement of the new partnership, Lynsey Graham stated: “We decided to support this vital cause as we know that many in our local communities have been adversely affected by the pandemic, and we want to support our own workforce with opportunities to enhance their own mental health and wellbeing.  Anything that we can do to raise both awareness of the mental health crisis facing the country and to raise money to support Action Mental Health with the vital work that they do is a positive step for change.”

Throughout the year Edgewater Contracts will be embarking on fundraising initiatives to support the vital work of the charity.

Action Mental Health have a timetable of activities suitable for people of all ages to get involved in. The charity is always happy to work with corporate partners of all sizes to raise much needed funds and awareness of the work that they do.

Action Mental Health’s Samantha Coleman commented: ‘We are so delighted to have Edgewater Contracts with us for 2022. One in five of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives and half of all problems start before the age of fourteen. Since the pandemic, the need for our services is even greater, so  we are very happy to be working with Edgewater Contracts on a series of fundraising events and awareness raising to highlight the important cause of mental health and to help fund our services for local people.”

Pictured left to right: Peter Gregg Head of (HSQE), Samantha Burke Procurement Support and Samantha Coleman Action Mental Health

For more information, please contact:

Samantha Coleman, AMH, [email protected]

AMH News

AMH New Horizons client and OCN awards finalist, Joanna, is bursting with passion and creativity!

Joanna is taking part in the Working it Out project at AMH New Horizons Ards & North Down The OCN Level 1 Mixed Media art student, Joanna, was recently shortlisted in two categories at the OCN awards. She was Highly Commended in Health and Wellbeing Learner of the Year and also Highly Commended in Third Sector Learner of the Year.

Joanna started at AMH New Horizons shy, easily overwhelmed, and lacking in self-confidence and self-belief. But now, she can lose herself in creativity. She has had to overcome tough and demanding physical, mental and emotional impacts of anxiety. She is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by facing your fears, riding out uncomfortable sensations/feelings, to commit to something important to you. Joanna’s strength throughout the OCN course has been her determination to overcome her anxiety and build a future where she is achieving her dreams.

Pauline Matthew, Skills Coach at AMH New Horizons, described the joy she has gained from helping Joanna throughout the course:

“Joanna’s journey was magical to watch. Seeing her light up, speak passionately and positively to other students about her work – lit the touchpaper to Joanna’s increased self-belief in her ability to not only create great art but to take pride in it, own it and believe in herself.

She has pushed through, forced herself to sit with the uncomfortable, overcoming fears, anxiety and emotions to contribute to the classes and to create meaningful, personal and beautiful art.”

Joanna is continuing to push herself beyond her comfort boundaries, sharing her thoughts, promoting ideas and proposals for better or more creative ways of working.

The “Working it Out” project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.