All posts by actionmentalhealth

AMH Retail Clients get a glimpse behind the scenes at M&S!

We would like to say a huge thank you to Marks and Spencer Bloomfield Shopping Centre & Retail Park who gave clients from AMH New Horizons North Down & Ards a tour of the store last week. Our clients are taking part in the ESF Working It Out project, some are currently completing OCN Customer Service Level 2 with us, while others have completed NVQ Retail Skills Level 2 and are actively looking for employment in retail.

It was a very informative visit, we had the opportunity of looking at different roles available in the store, each of departments, and also the logistics involved to keep the store running smoothly and the customers happy! Our lovely guide for the morning was Sandra and we thoroughly appreciate her taking the time to organise our tour and for looking after us so well.


Pictured with Sandra are Katrina McIlmail AMH Employment Officer, Aisling Deery AMH Retail Skills Coach and “Working it Out” retail clients Chris and Gary. 

The “Working it Out Project” is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

Light up Christmas with Action Mental Health

Last year Danske Bank held a Christmas Jumper Fundraiser for Action Mental Health

This festive season, Action Mental Health is ‘Lighting Up Christmas’ – shining a light on mental health in Northern Ireland, and on what YOU can do to help us raise money to support our invaluable recovery and resilience services.

Light Up Christmas Eventbrite Registration.

For Christmas 2019 you might be thinking of a Christmas gift or gesture that will really count, and to make a positive difference to people living with mental ill-health.

Action Mental Health champions moves towards a society that actively values and supports people on their journey to better mental health and with the famously generous people of Northern Ireland by our side, our mission can become a reality.

Christmas is not an easy time for everyone. So while you’re enjoying the festive frolics, a friend, family member or neighbour might not be looking forward to this time of year. So, to share a little light this Christmas time, offer a listening ear to someone who might be among those dreading the period. By being willing to actively listen, you can make a massive difference.

So if you would like to take part this year and help AMH ‘Light Up Christmas’ by fundraising, the only thing limiting you is your imagination.

You can get the ball rolling by hosting your very own fundraising event at home, with friends or work colleagues, in schools and colleges – it’s up to. We have fundraising packs to give the seasonal spirit of giving a green light, whatever you’re planning.

You could host a coffee and carols morning, a Christmas games day, or a seasonal sponsored walk or even a festive fancy dress event – whatever you wish, just get creative and get in touch to tell us what you’re planning. AMH’s fundraising kits are jammed full of lots of hints, tips and materials – everything you need to get the fundraising effort of your choice underway.

To request a fundraising pack contact AMH’s Fundraising Team on [email protected] or call 028 9182 8494 or register on our Eventbrite Page.

Whatever you raise, you’ll be helping AMH change the lives of people across Northern Ireland living with mental ill-health.

Every donation makes a difference.

Thank you.

Anti-Bullying week – change starts with everyone…

As the scourge of bullying comes into sharp focus this week, Action Mental Health has a number of resources to help children, young people and their parents negotiate the distressing issue.

This year’s theme is ‘Change Starts With Us’, highlighting the need to break the cycle of bullying. The week-long campaign tells us that by making small, simple changes, we can break the cycle and create a safe environment for everyone, and that by working together we can start the conversation to challenge bullying in all its forms.

The material was compiled as part of the AMH-supported Northern Area Mental Health Initiative, a two-year innovative project designed to equip children as young as eight, with the skills to maintain positive well-being.

The innovative two-year project delivered mental and emotional well-being and resilience building programmes to almost 20k people, including 16,000 children and young people, and was led by Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network.

Known as ‘The Initiative’, it received funding from the Social Investment Fund under the NI Executive’s Delivering Social Change framework and was delivered in partnership with NexusNI. It was launched in 2017 and culminated earlier this year. The resources featured were drawn from a variety of useful sources.

You can also follow these useful links: http://epicfriends.co.uk/bullying

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/types-bullying/

New Horizons clients hit the books as they get second chance at education

A man whose mental health plummeted following a traumatic time in his life is facing a brighter future by starting a law degree at university after receiving the support of Action Mental Health.

The new student is just one of many dozens of clients to have discovered a new lease of life after engaging in the variety of courses available at the charity’s nine New Horizons services dotted around Northern Ireland.

New Horizons offers clients a comprehensive programme of specialist training, personal development, vocational skills and employability, tailoring programmes to suit individuals’ personal needs. These are offered 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.

The new law student is one such client who personifies the aims of the Working It Out project. And though the man, in his 40s, left school with just one A level, his subsequent studies and vast life experience including as an entrepreneur have secured him a coveted place on a law degree.

The Co Armagh man left school to train as a technician before taking those technical skills to his post as electrician. Years later he achieved a qualification that was the equivalent of a Higher National Diploma, before joining the police, serving a 20 year stint there while the Troubles were still grabbing news headlines. When he departed, the entrepreneurial spirit grabbed him and he established a number of businesses – all at the same time.

But it was too much, and his mental health suffered.

Experiencing what he described as a breakdown, he said he ‘did nothing for a while’ for the first time since he was a teenager. He barely knew where to turn, but then his community psychiatric nurse referred him to New Horizons.

“I was a bit apprehensive at the start and I didn’t quite know what to expect. Initially I went twice a week but that progressed to three days and did the IT and ECDL course as well as photography.

“I felt the benefit straight away and it was very interesting what I was doing and it’s been very, very useful. When I started passing all the exams I thought to myself, ‘I could make a change in my life’,” he said.

He has has come a long way.  He received an unconditional offer for the Ulster University law degree, and commencing in September, he now spends ten hours a week at university, between seminars and lectures, and spends the rest of his week studying at home.

With a new future ahead of him, his negative thoughts are in his past. “Now, they’re positive thoughts – and legal ones too!”

“New Horizons certainly gave me the confidence to go and meet people again, and to do things that I hadn’t considered were possible for me.”

The AMH New Horizons activities the client participates in 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.

https://www.amh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DFE-ESF-Colour-jpeg-300x59.jpg

Wreath-making craft and craic in aid of Action Mental Health

With the festive season knocking on autumn’s door, people are being invited to learn the skills of traditional Christmas wreath-making, in an evening workshop in aid of Action Mental Health. 

The event, hosted by Petals and Prayers Florist Studio of Magherafelt, takes place at the town’s Terrace Hotel, on Friday, November 29, from 7pm to 9.30pm and is being supported AMH corporate partner, SDC Trailers Limited of Toomebridge.

Participants will be provided with all the materials required to craft their wreath, from the base materials to a wide array of decorations to suit all styles and tastes. Crafters can select from greenery and natural items, plus an array of luxury festive additions – even festive lights to illuminate wreaths as the Yuletide nights draw in.

The size of the wreath-making workshop class size will be limited, to allow participants to enjoy the hands-on support and assistance of the instructors who will provide step-by-step demonstrations and an abundance of artistic inspiration.

Whether a novice or a seasoned expert, participants will leave with a wreath to be proud of, and some useful skills to help create the Christmas favourite year after year.

Crafters will be treated to festive refreshments while they work and will also receive an exciting goodie bag to take home along with their handicrafts.

The workshop places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early to avoid disappointment, and come along for a fun and festive evening of creativity. You’ll be helping Action Mental Health support people experiencing periods of mental ill-health and build resilience among future generations.


To book your ticket, priced £30, visit Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/79344019097

Ghoulish goings-on at New Horizons

Halloween celebrations at New Horizons Antrim had clients guessing the weight of a mighty pumpkin for a chance to win a boo-tifully haunted hamper, in day of ghoulish fun and games. Clients got into the spirit of the day, squelching pumpkin through their fingers as they crafted Jack-o-lanterns. A big thank-you to Employment Officer Victoria Henry for organising the spooktacular event!

The AMH New Horizons activities the client participates in 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.

https://www.amh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DFE-ESF-Colour-jpeg-300x59.jpg

AMH chief rewards staff loyalty with long service award

A project administrator who has spent 15 years contributing to the success of Action Mental Health has been rewarded for her loyalty to the charity. Liz Wright, who works at New Horizons Antrim, received her long service award from AMH chief executive David Babington.

“As an organisation we are very fortunate to have a talented and highly committed team and this commitment is clearly demonstrated by long-serving employees like Liz,” he said.

“This dedication and loyalty is seen across the organisation and it is vital to providing services to our clients and the wider community in Northern Ireland.”

Alex providing a 5 Star service at the Fitzwilliam Hotel!

Alex started with AMH New Horizons in Antrim in 2017 participating in the EVOLVE project, which focuses on working with 18 – 25 year olds and developing their social and personal development.

At the beginning of 2018, Alex felt ready to move on to new challenges and focus on his employability. He completed several accredited courses – ECDL in IT, OCN Employability and began an NVQ in Business Administration.

Working on Reception in AMH New Horizons also helped boost his confidence as did a placement with the Initiative project based in AMH.

This year he enrolled and successfully completed a further education course at Belfast Met and with the support of the AMH Employment Officers, began a placement in the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast.

The Fitzwilliam picks up the story –

Alex has been a delight to have working with us. This was something very new for the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, and at the beginning of the process we were unsure if it would work for both us and the volunteer. With the assistance of AMH New Horizons, Alex was placed within our Beverage Department working alongside one of our Supervisors. Alex has put hard work and determination into his placement and has now successfully moved into paid work within our Food Services team. We are delighted with how far he has come and look forward to seeing what he can achieve in the future within the team here at the Fitzwilliam.

Congratulations to Alex – we wish him all the best! The Fitzwilliam is a 5 star luxury hotel in the heart of Belfast City Centre. It has recently been named Hotel of the Year (Northern Ireland) 2019-20. Alex took part in the Working It Out project at AMH NEw Horizons Antrim. The project is part-funded through the NI European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.