A Fermanagh father of two is scaling one of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque peaks for three local charities – every single day for the month of November.

Michael Kerr, 35, is walking to the top of Cuilcagh Mountain, which looms some 665 metres over County Fermanagh, and down again, in a 15km trek which takes him two hours every day. Bordering County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland, Cuilcagh is Ireland’s only cross-border county peak.

Important for its blanket bog, the popular walk is known as the Stairway to Heaven following the installation of a pedestrian-friendly boardwalk which covers part of the track.

By day, Michael works at home, in his role with MFC Sports, sportswear company, but before that, he dons his walking boots at 7.30am to head out in all weathers, joined each day by fellow walkers.

Having different company on each trek is one of the welcome aspects of the walk that varies, Michael confirmed: “There’s someone new every day and it’s good because we get chatting and helps to distract me from the fact that I’m doing the same route over and over again.”

The weather is another factor that can vary greatly from day to day. Speaking on November 12, Michael commented: “On a good day you can see for miles, but I’d say out of the 12 days I’ve done it so for, eight or nine of those days we could only see about 50 yards in front of ourselves, but it’s that time of the year.

“Yesterday it was horrendous with the wind and the rain beating into our faces,” he said, adding that once at the summit he and his companions stay no longer than ten minutes.

And to prove that he goes out in hail or high water, Michael takes a photograph of the people accompanying him that day, confirming they have all made it to the peak with a short video which is then posted on social media.

Michael manages as local soccer club and has kept himself physically fit. This year’s lockdown however, resulted in him being less active, as many the world over experienced.

“I chose Action Mental Health because of the Covid-19 pandemic really. A lot of people suffer from mental ill health and this has only made things worse. A lot of players before the lockdown would have come to me with mental health issues but this pandemic has had impact,” he said. 

“I would hate to think of anyone suffering in silence so I hope the awareness raised for Action Mental Health would help more people speak out and to reach out for help if they need it.

“I also hope that would encourage people to get active because I’m a great believer in physical activity as something that benefits mental health,” he said.

If you would like to support Michael’s month long fundraising efforts visit https://uk.gofundme.com/f/26hvlwkk9c

The Families Together Project was a 5-year transformative project for schools in Antrim and Strabane. The project was led by Parenting NI in partnership with AMH New Life Counselling and with financial support from the National Lottery Community Fund. The project worked initially in six schools within Antrim and Strabane, including Sion Mills Primary School, Ballycraigy Primary School, Six Mile Integrated Primary School, Parkhall Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School & St Mary’s Primary School. The project was also able to provide support for an additional 4 schools across the two areas. After five incredible years the project came to an close with an virtual ceremony, in which the Families Together parents were awarded with their OCN Certificates.

Parenting NI has been providing parenting services across Northern Ireland since 1979 in the belief that effective parenting is the cornerstone of strong families, and that parents should be supported to enable them to provide children with a positive upbringing.

AMH New Life Counselling is a professionally accredited counselling service and part of Action Mental Health. AMH New Life Counselling is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing needs of its clients through the provision of counselling, providing friendly and professional counselling services for children, young people, adults and families.

Parents are a primary influence on their children and that influence can either be negative or positive depending on the quality of the parenting (Campbell, 1995).

The Families Together project was designed around these principles in order to holistically strengthen these relationships. Strabane and Antrim were selected as the two areas for the project because of the high level of disadvantage. Primary schools within the most disadvantaged parts of Strabane and Antrim were invited to become partner schools with Parenting NI and AMH New Life Counselling to form the Families Together Project.

Once a year, the Families Together Project would host a Family Fun Day in Antrim and Strabane with a variety of local agencies joining in to provide fun activities for families as well as information on local support services. The project hosted a large number of activities, parenting classes, parent & child workshops and counselling sessions for parents and their children within each school. These included the ‘Time for Parents’ Support and Counselling service and ‘Time for Me’ informal listening and signposting sessions and Time Together for the parents and their children. Families Together ran a variety of free parenting workshops for participating schools. These topics ranged from subjects such as Relaxation, Handling Children’s Behaviours and Healthy Choices. The programme ran numerous child workshops, a Parenting Café for parents to informally meet one another and a highly successful Walking Group.

One of the school principals remarks on the programme;

“I am struck by the diversity of needs and parents being engaged – not just those who are always targeted because of high needs, but also fathers and people of different social backgrounds. This is de-stigmatising.”

Over the 5-year duration of the project, the engagement of the schools and families involved in the programme has grown significantly. This has been particularly noticeable with families who lacked confidence in their parenting ability and self-esteem. Parenting NI, AMH New Life Counselling and the Families Together Project are delighted to celebrate all the great work and engagement the parents, families, children and the teachers in each school have brought to the project over the past five years.

One parent remarked on the programme:

“It’s like a wee lifeline. A good experience – brilliant and highly recommended. I’m definitely more confident as a parent and I have a better support system.”

A principal remarks on the project;

“It’s hard to imagine the school without them – they’re part of the school now and an important part of our annual pastoral action plan.”

As Alcohol Awareness Week continues (running from 16-22 November 2020) we highlight this year’s theme of Alcohol and Mental health. It has been a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more.

The physical health risks linked to consuming alcohol are well documented, such as a higher incidence of cancer, diabetes and elevated blood pressure. However, alcohol can also have a negative effect on mental health and wellbeing.

Alcohol consumption has increased since COVID-19 lockdown measures were introduced earlier this year. In part, stemming from uncertainty, alcohol is used to stem boredom, to numb anxiety and to facilitate a new home-based social drinking norm.

Self-medicating to help with depression or other mental health issues brings with it the highs and lows, as alcohol initially lifts mood but then decreases lowering mood levels.

The good news is that cutting down on alcohol will improve your sleep and anxiety levels, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll save money too.

Rather than turning to alcohol, there are other ways to manage symptoms, such as learning relaxation and controlled breathing techniques to relieve stress and anxiety, and by making time for things that make you feel good in your daily routine to boost your mood and improve your wellbeing.

With one in ten people suffering from a mental health disorder around the world – and one in five in Northern Ireland – the Covid-19 pandemic and new lockdown measures will continue to be a particularly anxious and uncertain time.

Recently, a new wellbeing hub for Northern Ireland launched and is packed full of helpful resources and links to support, the site can be reached by clicking here.

Alcohol and You Self Help Programme

Alcohol, Drugs and Change Self Help Video

­­­­A resource for families living with addiction and
problematic substance abuse.

The Alcohol Test

Understanding Alcohol and its Impact

Advice for Family Members affected by someone else’s drinking

Services and Support Near You

20th November 2020

A message from our Chief Executive, David Babington

Following on from the Executive’s announcement, regarding restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the NHS, I want to reassure our clients and staff that our services will remain open and continue to operate as they have been.

I know that this has been an extremely difficult time for many and it has been particularly hard for those already living with a mental illness. That is why I warmly welcome the Executive’s decision to allow mental health services to remain open, to support people at this time.

I would encourage clients to contact their local service manager or key contact if they have any concerns around their attendance.

Action Mental Health will continue to follow all relevant public health guidance. We encourage people entering our buildings to wear a face covering (where possible), maintain social distancing and continue to ensure good hand hygiene. Please do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to self-isolate.

I would also encourage staff and clients to download and use the StopCOVID NI app.

In addition, I recognise that there are no easy decisions in the current situation and know that other closures announced last night will cause undoubted stress and anxiety for many people across Northern Ireland, who are worried about their job or their business.

With this in mind, it is vital that the necessary economic support, for people affected, is put in place urgently. Ensuring this, alongside continued access to mental health services when required, will be a key step in helping to protect mental health and well-being across our wider community.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or despair, please remember that help and support is always available. You can contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or by Textphone on 18001 0808 808 8000, trained counsellors are available by phone 24/7.

You can also access support by contacting Samaritans on 116 123 or Childline on 0800 1111.

Best Wishes.

David Babington

Chief Executive.

International Men’s Day (IMD), is celebrated today – Thursday, November 19, and is a global focus on men of all ages, in all their diversity. It’s about our fathers, partners, brothers and friends and this year highlights the importance of men’s health, male suicide rates and the underperformance of boys in schools.

As we mark IMD, the members of AMH Men’s Sheds share how they have been negotiating the past eight months since the pandemic arrived and changed the tapestry of all our lives.

Designed for men over 50, AMH Men’s Sheds are popular venues for support, socialising, learning and leisure. The hubs help its members pool resources and ultimately give back to the local community through a range of services, including the sale of a variety of products they hand-craft during sessions.

During the pandemic, members from AMH’s three Men’s Sheds around Northern Ireland have had to adjust. The project provides facilities for men in Action Mental Health’s services in Antrim, Downpatrick and Enniskillen.  

One member of AMH Men’s Shed, Downpatrick, said:

“I found it helpful to keep my mind on the things that I wanted and not the things that I didn’t want. During the last lockdown, I kept myself busy, stayed in contact with family by phone or skype and didn’t watch too much of the news.”

Supporting the ‘Shedders’ well-being in Fermanagh, David Lowe, Project Officer, commented:

“The shed has been described in many ways as a youth club for old guys!”

“Following the first lockdown many of the men saw the re-opening of the shed as being very important to them. It gives them a structure to their day and they feel valued from the things they do. The things they missed most was the hustle and bustle of the old shed and having a cup of tea and a hot meal together.

“Since March there has been a reduction in numbers attending, but many of the Shedders still meet to avail of the physical, educational and social activities. They continue to take part in activities such as willow weaving and upholstery classes as well as keep fit and yoga with instruction from experienced tutors,” he added

The men of the Downpatrick Men’s Sheds also shared their go-to tips, for lockdown and beyond. One member said:

“Get up early, try to be positive and lift the phone if you need to speak to someone.”

Another said:

“I have found that getting out of the house is great; just taking the dog for a walk gets you out and into the fresh air.”

The activities of the Men’s Sheds aim to increase the confidence, personal effectiveness and resilience of its members, as well as addressing social isolation by building friendship groups that are sustainable through the activities, which involve collaborative working and problem solving. For more information on your nearest AMH Men’s Shed visit https://www.amh.org.uk/services/mens-shed/ and follow them on facebook

@MensShedFermanagh

@MensShedDownpatrick

@MensShedSteepleAntrim

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