Action Mental Health changes the lives of those living with mental ill health and promotes resilience and well-being to future generations, having worked with employers to promote positive mental health since 1963.  

New challenges

Responding to employee well-being needs is undoubtedly a bit different for employers to navigate this year and AMH Works is here to help.  With a suite of evidence based mental health and well-being training programmes and a wealth of expertise in workplace well-being, AMH Works can support employers to promote positive mental health for employees and create a healthy and more resilient workplace. 

The training and consultancy support offered by AMH Works has been shown to have a positive impact on health and wellness, reducing sickness absence and making workplaces more effective and resilient.

With key well-being dates such as; World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10^th September and World Mental Health Day on the 9^th October you can plan ahead to maximise engagement and ensure you invest in your employee’s mental health and well-being.

AMH Works Training

AMH Works offer a selection of interactive and engaging training courses designed using evidence based models for health and well-being and tailored to meet the needs of all employees including managers. We offer the option of online training and face to face training at your business premises by a qualified and professional trainer with the provision of follow up support where appropriate.

AMH Works can also work with employers to assess the needs for their workplace and create bespoke approaches including training courses designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation and employees.

You can read more about or courses below or get in touch now by calling Shelly Wilson, AMH Works Manager on 07540124083 or by emailing [email protected].

2-hour courses

Mental Health Awareness

The main objectives of the mental health awareness workshop are to draw attention towards the main mental health issues and disorders; stress, anxiety, depression, bi-polar and schizophrenia, whilst providing an overview of the signs and symptoms through a fact-based, informative and supportive structure. 

Personal Resilience

The main objectives of the personal resilience workshop are to equip employees and employers with the best methods to cope with the pressures and stresses of life and work, whilst providing an overview of stress and thought management through an evidence-based, informative and supportive structure.

Stress Awareness and Management

The main aims of the stress management training are to provide an overview of stress and what causes it, whilst also, equipping employees and employers with strategies to both identify and cope with the stress of life.

Manager Sessions

The Mindful Manager

The main aims of the mindful manager workshop are to give managers the tools required to identify issues staff may be having in the workplace and equip them with the conversational skills to facilitate a solution before issues cause significant loss of productivity/absenteeism.

Public Health Agency Endorsed Programmes

Mental Health First Aid First aid as we know it is the help given to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) differs only in that it is the help provided to a person developing a mental health issue or who is in a mental health crisis.

Mental Health First Aid is now being delivered online

Corporate Social Responsibility

By supporting AMH Works you are supporting our vision statement at Action Mental Health;“A society which actively values and supports people on their journey to positive mental health.”Through our social enterprise model all of our funds raised go back into Action Mental Health’s invaluable work across Northern Ireland.

What our clients say:

Working with Action Mental Health has enabled us to launch an innovative Mental Health Training session to address how we approach Mental Health conversations with our staff and subcontractors. Action Mental Health were involved in the consultation, design and delivery of our bespoke workshop which we believe to be ground breaking in our industry.  Involving AMH at every stage really supported the professionalism, tone and accuracy of the workshop we developed, this has been hugely beneficial to develop skills and confidence regarding having conversations about Mental Health. Collaborating with AMH has helped ensure our Mental Health journey continues and remains a priority within our business

Farrans

AMH Works provide a range of programmes which support employers to improve mental and emotional well-being in the workplace and create Healthy, Resilient Workplaces, to find out more contact AMH Works Manager, Shelly Wilson on 07540124083 or [email protected].

Recent events in our local community have caused shock and distress for many people across Northern Ireland.

For some it could have triggered past traumatic events and resurfaced old feelings and Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms. These are real, and should not be ignored, the more awareness you have around coping strategies to manage your feelings the better. 

Being aware of your emotions at this time and your reactions means you can start to understand them and knowing this feel more in control. People who are experiencing heightened stress, anxiety, agitation, tearfulness  and fear should try and step back from social media and the bombardment of news TV or print media.

Try to get exercise; go for a walk, contact friends, family or good neighbours, listen to music, do something creative like paint, write your feelings and try to be aware of your breathing, especially when you are starting to feel overwhelmed. Try to remain in the present and focus on what you are doing right now, not yesterday or tomorrow but in the here and now.

Remember it is a normal response to think of your own trauma or experience flashbacks, when hearing about the current traumatic events, it’s just managing these with healthy coping strategies.

If you feel as though you’re not coping, please seek appropriate professional help via your GP or by referral to AMH New Life Counselling – by clicking here.

Action Mental Health is delighted to welcome Roisin Kelly to her new role on the organisation’s Board of Directors. Roisin had previously taken part in the Boardroom Apprentice scheme with New Life Counselling, prior to the two organisations merging.

“I am delighted to join the Board of Action Mental Health. I am excited to be part of this amazing organisation that delivers services which have such a positive impact on people’s lives. Now, more than ever, mental health awareness and service provision is so important and I hope to contribute to this through my new role.  A huge thank you to the Boardroom Apprentice programme for equipping me with the skills and confidence to #getonboard and to my host board New Life Counselling for the experience over the past year. “

Roisin studied Finance at Queens University and went on to work with KPMG, where she trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  She moved to the public sector and has worked for the Department of Finance for over 10 years.  She is currently Head of Government Accounts Branch, where she is responsible for the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund, Treasury Management, VAT, Fraud, Debt and Risk Management.  In her spare time Roisin loves to run and in 2019 she ran her first marathon in Belfast in aid of AMH.

A Banbridge man has raised more than £3000 for Action Mental Health through a superhuman feat of endurance.

Jay Pinion ran 100 miles in 24 hours after plans for the Mourne Way Ultra Marathon in mid-June had to be shelved due to the lockdown.

The 23-year–old had been busy preparing for the ultimate test of his mettle but when the pandemic ruined his plans he decided to adapt them to suit the current times.

Jay, a former Banbridge Academy pupil, ran 100 miles in 23 hours 33 minutes around the country roads of his hometown on Saturday, June 20, running 18 loops of 5.5-miles, following a starting mile and a half, to complete his target total of 100.

Jay had hoped to raise £1900 but well-wishers were so impressed by his ambitious target they donated very generously to his cause, the recipients of that generosity being Action Mental Health.

Commenting on his thwarted original plans, Jay said it would have been a shame not to capitalise on all his preparation, taking to running during studying for his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Bath university.

“I’ve been training hard for it over many months and I think it would be a waste not to complete some kind of challenge in its place. 

“I don’t want this experience to just be about me. I also wanted this to be something meaningful for others as well, therefore I wanted to raise money for Action Mental. In my short life, so far, especially in the last few years, running has been like a guiding compass, always allowing me to navigate through the tough times. It keeps you focused, keeps you fit and strong and on long, solitary runs, has a profound meditative effect on your mind and body. Time becomes fluid when it’s just you and the road,” he said.

“Running, or any form of exercise really, will always make you feel better. Ask any runner ever. The endorphin high is real, I can tell you that, for sure. I hope this challenge can inspire at least one other person to get on their feet and get moving, whether that’s walking, running, cycling, hiking, or whatever you enjoy; you can be sure you’ll feel better after doing it. Guaranteed,” Jay added.

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising & Communications Manager, Jonathan Smyth commented:

“We are all absolutely amazed at Jay’s challenge and delighted that he has chosen to do it in aid of Action Mental Health. The amount he has raised is simply phenomenal and will make such a tremendous difference. It has been a very challenging period for many people, however the generosity and kindness of people like Jay, has helped us to be able to adapt and carry on delivering vital services for people right across Northern Ireland. We want to say a massive thank you to Jay and everyone who has supported his fundraising.’

Queen’s University Belfast is encouraging its staff to keep active during lockdown by hosting its first ever Queen’s University Activity Challenge.

The event, which will span four weeks from 15 June to 10 July 2020, replaces the University’s Annual Pedometer Challenge and will raise funds for local charity Action Mental Health.

Queen’s staff are being encouraged to keep active to help support and promote good mental health and well-being. The benefits of exercise are well documented, with physical activity playing a huge role in keeping people’s minds healthy. On top of the advantages it brings to our bodies, exercise also helps reduce stress and clear the mind.

Joyce Johnson, Head of Reward and Performance at Queen’s, said: “Through this Challenge, we are encouraging our staff to commit to doing some form of physical activity each day  – for example, a run, walk, cycle, or home workout of their choice – within government guidelines.

“While exercise has significant health benefits, we also recognise the benefits to wellbeing of supporting others and giving back to our community. Staff participating in the Challenge will therefore have the option to make a donation in support of the excellent work of Action Mental Health, an organisation which actively promotes the mental health and well-being of people here in Northern Ireland.”

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager Jonathan Smyth said: “We are delighted to be the selected charity for this year’s Queen’s University Activity Challenge.  Physical activity plays a huge role in keeping our minds healthy as well as our bodies and it is fantastic that Queen’s staff are boosting their health and wellbeing through physical activity and supporting a local charity at the same time.

“With one in five people in Northern Ireland experiencing mental ill-health at some stage of their life, it’s important to remember that simple things such as cycling to work or walking the dog can really help to reduce stress and clear the mind. Looking after your mental health is especially important right now, as we deal with the impacts of lockdown on our daily lives.”

Staff of Action Mental Health in Foyle are preparing to commence a phased return to face-to-face support with clients, marking their eventual return with an inspection by the city’s mayor.

Following the long weeks of the lockdown, staff have been busy establishing a new programme which combines onsite instruction and virtual classes.

AMH Chief Executive David Babington this week helped Service Manager Pauline Flanagan unveil the new programme, with a seal of approval from Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Brian Tierney.

During a tour of AMH Foyle, at Springtown Industrial Estate, staff showcased the measures the charity have taken to ensure staff and clients are safe from the continuing risks of the coronavirus.

The Foyle Service has been deep cleaned, while department and training areas have been redesigned to provide training in a safe socially distant environment. Individual learning packs will also be provided, with personal protection equipment and safety notices in place. A new outside classroom has even been erected to take advantage of good weather during the summer months.  

The date of the Service’s re-opening has yet to be confirmed but once it does, all social distancing regulations will be observed.

Service Manager Pauline Flanagan explained how clients have been supported during the lockdown.

“Staff have been providing virtual support and training since the lockdown at end of March which has been very well received by clients, who have said the continued contact with staff had helped to reduce their anxiety and distract them from the flow of pandemic news feeds.” 

Some clients however, suffer from ‘digital poverty’, living without internet services, making their desire to return to face-to-face contact ever greater.

Pauline continued: “Clients we support tend to be the most isolated and marginalised in our society with no or limited access to public transport, human contact, access to services, living on a basic subsistence, and in financial constraints, dealing with addictions and mental ill health.

“Staff have been creative, thinking outside the box and are delighted to embrace the opportunities and challenges working in a pandemic brings about.”

The Service Manager added that with AMH’s person-centred approach, many clients have expressed their desire to return to the service. Some have indicated that they would be happy to enjoy the best of both worlds by continuing to avail of the blended learning opportunities provided. 

Chief Executive David Babington added: “We are experts in our field, in providing mental health support to promote recovery for over 50 years. The team rise to every challenge and this is exceptional. We have an expert team who are innovative and dedicated and this has enabled all our nine New Horizons services across Northern Ireland to plan now to provide blended learning.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Brian Tierney, praised the Action Mental Health staff for their dedication in a difficult period.

“I would like to thank the staff of Action Mental Health for the vital work that they are doing, which is currently as important as ever as so many people within our district are looking for support in managing mental health problems.

“Having to adapt how they work in recent months has no doubt been challenging for the whole team, but they deserve great praise for how they have overcome those challenges and have found new ways to keep delivering such an important service.

“I’m glad that they are now able to take steps to resuming face-to-face support in a safe manner, and I wish everyone at AMH the very best as they continue their valued work in the weeks and months ahead.”

AMH New Horizons Foyle is continuing to accept referrals at this difficult time, supporting the Western Trust community mental health teams. Intake procedures have been amended to ensure service is accessible. Should you wish to be referred and are registered within the Western Trust Derry~Londonderry area, contact your community mental health team, the Jobs and Benefits office or your local GP or click https://www.amh.org.uk/contact, leave your details and request information on Foyle virtual learning.

AMH New Horizons activities are operated through the “Working it Out” project, which 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.

During what is Loneliness Awareness Week and Men’s Health Week we are focusing on the effect of loneliness on men’s mental health. Across Northern Ireland, a sizeable number of older people are impacted by loneliness and this can lead to serious health issues, if not addressed.

Loneliness can have a significant impact on people’s mental health and can in fact hasten death by up to 30% among some risk groups. The study, ‘Social Isolation, Loneliness and Health Among Older Adults’ by Caitlin Coyle and Elizabeth Dugan found that loneliness was associated with higher odds of having a mental health problem, while isolation was associated with higher odds of reporting one’s health as being fair or poor.

With the risk groups including older men, Action Mental Health’s three Men’s Sheds play a pivotal role in lessening the effects of loneliness. The Men’s Sheds bring men aged 50+ together to share skills, socialise and connect with their wider community, while working on practical activities of their choice.

The Men’s Sheds, in AMH New Horizons in Antrim, Fermanagh and Downpatrick, are places to have a laugh, make new friends with other men over 50.

You can find out more about our Men’s Sheds by clicking here:

AMH Men’s Sheds

The effects of loneliness

Raymond Kerr was so lonely after his wife died he was ‘climbing the walls’.

The 74-year-old could barely face getting out of bed in the morning as everything he did at home only served to magnify the fact that he was alone.

Even going to get the groceries and buying food-for-one reinforced his feelings of utter isolation and desolation, and soon, depression.

Raymond lost his wife Lola three years ago, but unlike many in his situation, he didn’t have hordes of visiting mourners to keep him afloat before the loneliness set in – he was alone from day one.

The pensioner did find solace in his only child with whom he has forged a better relationship since his wife’s death. However, the demands of his son’s work and own family life meant their regular visits could take place just once a week.

Raymond was also loathe to burden his son with his growing feelings of depression when the younger man was grieving for a mother he had shared a very close bond with all his life.

Aside from that, and the occasional visit by social workers, Raymond lived a solitary life, day in, day out. He admits that this isolation was partly a symptom of his somewhat reserved nature, but also because he lives many miles from his surviving family connections and friends in his native Castlecaulfield, Co Tyrone.

“I was very lonely from day one after my wife died,” he explains. “My wife knew a lot of people but I was more of a loner so when she died I didn’t see many people.

“When I woke up in the morning I felt really bad. I felt very down and I didn’t want to trouble anyone with how I was feeling.

“It put me off my food and I was living on one meal a day. I didn’t feel like cooking just for myself and you can never really buy something in the grocery shop that’s just for one person. So I went with the bare minimum – just potatoes and butter and egg.

“I was feeling depressed, and even when you’re separated or divorced you can always still call the person and have a voice on the other end of the phone but when your wife has died there’s no one there.”

He did eventually begin to talk however, and told his doctor how he was feeling.

“The doctor was great actually because she knew me. She was very easy to talk to and I could tell her anything, so she really helped in that way.”

Raymond was ultimately saved from his depressing world of loneliness by the intervention of social services.

“My doctor sent social workers out to me and one of them told me about the Men’s Sheds,” he says.

The Men’s Sheds, his local one located at Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Antrim, has opened up a new life and one that is filled with company – the company of men who know exactly what life is like for an older widower.

Nowadays, he spends his time participating in arts and crafts, particularly enjoying fine art and painting. Cutting his teeth in the art of leather work he counts himself among ‘the three stooges’, along with two new friends who are in much the same domestic boat as Raymond.

“I’d never heard of the Men’s Shed before and though I was a bit apprehensive about going and wanted to leave a few times, I really enjoyed it and they made me feel very welcome.

 “I’d felt unwanted before but the men joked that if I didn’t show up they’d come to my house and get me,” he says. “So I’ve no option and I’ve never stopped going.”

“It’s very interesting and the girl in charge asks what you’d like to do and she’ll even bring in an expert to teach us all how to do new things so I’ve actually made a few belts now,” he adds.

“I’ve made new friendships and the banter and craic is great and makes the day go quickly.”

If you’re feeling low, contact your GP, as Raymond did, or if you’re in crisis contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Please always remember that help and support is available.