It’s time once again for cyclists across Northern Ireland to sign up for the annual Granite Challenge, a 55-mile charity cycle through the beautiful Mourne Mountains, raising funds for Action Mental Health (AMH).

This year AMH is encouraging cyclists of all abilities, individuals and club members to don their lycra for the event on Sunday, October 6, to help support the charity’s Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, a social hub and support network for men over 50.

All the funds raised at the Granite Challenge will be used to support the Downpatrick branch of the Men’s Shed, which provides a relaxed and friendly environment where men form new friendships, share skills and learn new ones. Importantly, the Shed offers members a positive way to look after their mental health. AMH also have Men’s Sheds in Antrim and Fermanagh

By raising money you’ll be assisting the Sheds to bring together men to work on practical activities of their choice, at their own pace, while having a laugh and a cup of tea. Activities include horticulture, joinery, photography, arts and crafts, IT and cooking – every Men’s Shed is led by the needs and skills of its ‘shedders’.

Every cyclist who takes part will make a difference, with the funds raised being used to help pay for the men to attend as well as for equipment, like saws and drills and whatever essential kit for the Shed’s workshops.

As a local charity, Action Mental Health relies on the support of the local community to help provide its vital services. The Downpatrick Shed is annually supported by the Granite Challenge which begins in the cathedral town, following a route through Tyrella and Dundrum, along coastal roads through Newcastle, towards Annalong at the foot of the Mournes, before riders commence their ascent through the Mournes past Silent Valley, climbing to Spelga Dam. From there, it’s downhill toward home, through the pretty village of Bryansford, then Maghera and Clough and finally back to Downpatrick.

It’s a challenging route but the Granite Challenge benefits from the support of McConvey Cycles which will come to your aid if you’ve had a blow out or bicycle difficulties. First Aid will be on hand and you’ll enjoy camaraderie and filling snacks and refreshments en route.

The event takes place just ahead of World Mental Health Day, on Thursday, October, 10, when Action Mental Health will host a variety of events across its services to mark the annual day when mental health issues come into sharp focus across the globe.

One member of the Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, Terry Murphy, said: “I would encourage anyone our age to join the Men’s Shed; it’s very, very beneficial. You learn different skills and different crafts,  from wood-carving, and stained glass, to mosaic work.

“I enjoy my fellow shedders because without them there’s no shed. We all benefit from each other and as a group, together we all benefit from the support of the Granite Challenge. It’s an amazing community fundraising effort and we all really appreciate the people who come out to participate.”

AMH Chief Executive David Babington – who annually is among the hundreds of participating cyclists – reminds us that like any exercise, cycle promotes mental well-being.

“Physical activity plays a huge role in keeping our minds healthy as well as our bodies. With as many as 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.

“As World Mental Health Day approaches we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute than hosting a large scale sporting event that unites the community in a show of support for those impacted by mental illness whilst also offering participants the chance to raise vital funds to support our work.

“We’re always really excited to host our annual Granite Challenge, which over the years has proved hugely popular with local cycling clubs and individuals alike. Each year the number of cyclists continues to grow, so we are very much looking forward to participating and sharing in what is sure to be another highly motivating experience for all involved.”

Early Bird entrance fees start at just £20 plus Eventbrite fees, which includes a tea stop at Spelga where delicious homemade tray bakes and sweet treats will be provided.

Spaces are limited so register your interest now by clicking on our website www.amh.org.uk and following the links. You can also enter by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-granite-challenge-tickets-47219728479

Our Impact Report 2018/19 is now available to download!

Packed with stats from our recovery services and resilience services, it is a clear picture of how we are having an impact in our local communities.  We really are living up to our mission – to make a positive difference to people’s mental health and well-being!

A snap shot:

• 31,487 beneficiaries of AMH Resilience services
• 3,479 accredited training outcomes by AMH clients
• 221 clients progressed to paid employment, voluntary work  or further education or training
• Our messages to raise awareness and tackle stigma, reached 28M people via traditional and digital media
• New Life Counselling (a member of the Action Mental Health Group) delivered 13,065 counselling sessions
• The Northern Area Mental Health Initiative had 19,569 beneficiaries (April 2017-March 2019)
• We had 179 wonderful people working in Action Mental Health

A hard copy is available by contacting [email protected] 

A full copy of the consolidated group annual report and audited accounts of the year to 31st March 2019 can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

Hundreds of cyclists have put considerable leg work into raising money for Action Mental Health  during an annual cycle race.

More than 250 bike riders took part in the recent 7th Tour of Fermanagh charity event, braving wet conditions to traverse the picturesque environs of County Fermanagh. Many travelled considerable distances to take part, with one club coming all the way from Co Clare.

Cyclists had the choice of two routes – 60km and 120km – with the riders commencing and finishing their routes in the centre of Lisnaskea, in an event jointly hosted by Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC and Enniskillen Royal Boat Club in association with Clones Cycling Club. The routes were fully marshalled on the day by the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club.

Queen of the Rock, Lorraine Mullarkey, cycled home in 11 minutes and 24 seconds, while Glenn Phair, who came home in eight minutes and nine seconds, was crowned King of the Rock.

Speaking at the event ,  Caroline Ferguson, Service Manager at AMH, New Horizons Fermanagh said: “We are delighted that local people in recovery from mental health issues will benefit from this popular annual cycle event, and I would like to thank the organisers, sponsors and of course, the cyclists for their generous support.”

Clients at Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Derriaghy have been enjoying an active and productive summer.

Members of the crochet group used their crafty skills to create a number of beautiful sensory blankets which were a big hit with the residents of the Louisville Nursing Home on Belfast’s Glen Road.

The sensory blankets were created to provide a visual and tactile stimulation for those residents who have dementia and have provided great interest and comfort among the men and women at the home.

Meanwhile, clients have been enjoying a number of outings in recent weeks, including the Coca Cola factory in Lisburn, where they got to the see all the processes behind the production of arguably the most famous beverage in the world. AMH is fortunate to have the support of Coca Cola HBC as a corporate partner.

They also got to see behind the scenes of the Tayto factory in Tandragee, and got to sample the product – this time, one of Northern Ireland’s most famous exports!

One of Northern Ireland’s most well-known and highly respected family run businesses recently threw its weight behind a nation-wide focus on mental health well-being.

Gordons Chemists, who have been supporting their customer’s health and well-being for 39 years, decked out all its 53 branches across Northern Ireland in Action Mental Health’s trademark purple for Mental Health Awareness Week, 13^th-19^th May 2019, raising over £5000. The pharmacy chain was helping to raise awareness among staff and local communities on how best to support and care for their emotional well-being.

The focus came as the public spotlight shines ever greater on the rising incidence of mental ill-health in Northern Ireland, with Gordon’s Chemist signalling its desire to step up and take action in partnership with Action Mental Health.

On Friday, May 17, all 53 stores united in one massive day of fundraising and both Action Mental Health and Gordons Chemists are pleased to announce that a phenomenal £5,070 was raised!

Owner and co-founder, Robert Gordon, commented: “Action Mental Health changes the lives of those living with mental ill health and we are delighted to support the great work of this local Northern Ireland charity”.

Action Mental Health’s Fundraising & Engagement Coordinator, Alex Murdock, said: “First and foremost I want to say a massive thank you to all of the staff at Gordons Chemists for really getting behind Mental Health Awareness Week and of course, to all their incredible customers for supporting them. Together you raised an absolutely outstanding amount of money that will go back into your local communities as Action Mental Health continues to promote emotional well-being and resilience right across Northern Ireland.

She added: “It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Gordons Chemists and their whole team. Thank you for helping us to step up and take action on mental health. We honestly could not support our local communities without businesses and people like you by our side.”

Last week Action Mental Health New Horizons Downpatrick welcomed staff and clients from Kwintes in the Netherlands – it’s the eleventh year we’ve hosted a group from Kwintes Guidance and Relief!

While staying in Killough, they’ve been out and about taking in all the wonderful sights  NI has to offer. Of course, they needed to call in and see their friends at NH Downpatrick. We spent time touring our garden, the garden centre and staff and clients sat down with a cuppa to properly welcome our guests. It was particularly interesting sharing ideas and creative new ways we each support our clients in our organisations.

Kwintes provides supported housing and holiday packages for people suffering from mental ill-health in the Netherlands – you can find out more on their website.

Thank you for taking the time to come out and see us! We look forward to catching up with you next year!

Titanic Hotel Belfast has made smooth sailing of its partnership with Action Mental Health in the past year, recently sealing a deal for a second consecutive year of helping the charity support the emotional well-being of its employees and the local community.

The landmark hotel enjoyed a successful first year in partnership with AMH, undertaking myriad fundraising events and raising awareness – despite a busy calendar of events following its opening in 2017.

Staff powered full steam ahead with their charity efforts and raised an outstanding £3,000 as a result. But keen to do even more they decided to keep up their support for Action Mental Health into a second year and have much more planned to do that.

The second year of fundraising got underway with a coffee morning in May to mark the annual Mental Health Awareness Week, and they have many more exciting plans in the pipeline for the rest of the year.