Action Mental Health has been a lifeline for me as I was a recluse and never socialised with the outside world. My mental health was deteriorating rapidly until I started coming to AMH New Horizons in Derriaghy. It is a fantastic service which helps improve your mental health and helps you to achieve goals in bettering yourself and preparing to get back into the world of work.
The staff at AMH New Horizons are always there if you need to chat or need any information and they are a great support to all their clients. AMH has helped me make new friends and create a closer “family” circle who are understanding and know what each other are going through.
I cannot praise and thank Action Mental Health enough for everything they have done for me and my recovery.
Many thanks to KB for sharing her story. KB is taking part in 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. To find out more please click here.
The annual display of back-to-school photos have begun to appear on social media already. Our children, young and older alike, are posing in shiny new uniforms – usually at the front door – and are heading off on either the first rung of their school ladder, or the next.
Our kids are leaving behind the carefree days of summer to return to the routine of the classroom, which for some, may be at a very significant period in their school career. Many are transitioning to ‘big school’ for the first time, are entering milestone years of GCSE or A-levels, or are heading off to university. For our P6s around the country, many are about to face the pivotal and unquestionably daunting prospect of AQE and GL exams.
There are many online resources to turn to offering advice on a gamut of issues surrounding the resumption of school, including:
Here at AMH, we are also lucky to be a partner of the Northern Area Mental Health Initiative. It is a portal packed with information and advice on dealing with a wide variety of issues related to childhood, from as young as eight years old.
As well as promoting the Five Ways to Well-Being, it offers a raft of resources on issues from exam pressures and bullying to coping skills and resilience, as well as fun and informative content. Visit the link below for more…
#FundraisingFriday this week is testament to another amazing show of courage and generosity from supporters of Action Mental Health.
Mother and daughter team, Ann and Joanne Galway, literally threw themselves into fundraising – by throwing themselves out of a plane to raise a whopping £1682 through a sponsored skydive.
The hair-raising effort had poignant significance for the pair, as they took part in the 10,000 feet tandem skydive in memory of Joanne’s father who died in 2013.
Meanwhile, a Northern Ireland man living in Scotland has been back home to run the Antrim Coast Marathon in aid of Action Mental Health. Aidan Mitchell raised £482.50 in a bid to help charities like AMH help raise awareness on men’s mental health issues.
Aidan explained: “I work in healthcare in Scotland but I am from N.I. I have raised money before for men’s mental health charities and it is still something I feel strongly about, especially in today’s world of ‘machoism’, men still struggle to speak out about their issues, plus the high number of young male suicides.
“I am aware it is has been said to be a larger issue at home so that is why I choose AMH. I like how you work with other charities, raising awareness of mental health.”
Aiden finished the race, which snaked its way through the beautiful coastline from Cushendall to Larne, in 4hrs 30 minutes.
Well done to you all for such amazing feats of endurance and bravado and thanks very much for choosing Action Mental Health as the beneficiary.
A YOUNG Newtownards woman has completed a 297 mile sponsored walk, in memory of the same number of people who took their own lives in Northern Ireland in 2017.
Katie Graden, a sixth form student at Glenlola Collegiate devoted two months to complete the milestone effort and yesterday (Tuesday, August 21) handed over a cheque for the £1051 raised by the feat of endurance to Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington.
The cheque was presented during a ceremony at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings, supported by MLAs from across the political divide.
Katie explained her motivation for the mammoth achievement under her belt at just 17 years of age.
“I cherish my community and want to do everything I can to help anyone who is suffering an episode of poor mental health. Anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts are far too common these days and I wanted to play my part in supporting the fantastic work of Action Mental Health.”
The fundraising initiative is an extension of Katie’s proposal for a mental health pupil leadership team for every school in Northern Ireland.
Katie said: “My proposal is for a student mental health and well-being council in every school, where pupils are elected through an application and interview process. This team would hold regular meetings with the teacher-led pastoral care team to discuss recent issues, review processes and identify more effective solutions from a student perspective.
“The team should be trained in confidentiality to allow students to speak freely and any issues would only be passed on if necessary. Students should be shown how to deal with panic attacks, self-harm and students experiencing suicidal thoughts in particular, just like students are trained in first aid.
“I have delivered my proposal to the Department of Education and the All Party Group on Mental Health. We are currently waiting for the results from an international research report carried out by Stormont’s research team and today, I am pleased so many politicians from so many parties were here to support me.
“I am hopeful of securing a one year pilot scheme and I have already had interest from Glenlola Collegiate, Lagan College and The School of Engineering at Queens University. If any other schools are interested, please contact me via email, [email protected].uk.”
Action Mental Health’s David Babington expressed his admiration for Katie’s determination and endurance.
“Katie is a very determined young woman, with an incredible passion and commitment for her local community. We are delighted, here at Action Mental Health, to support a future leader and wish Katie every success in her bid to secure a student mental health and well-being council in schools in Northern Ireland.
“Her efforts compliment Action Mental Health’s programmes in schools designed to support positive mental health and well-being and promote resilience among school children, including our Healthy Me and Provoking Thought, among others.”
Katie Graden hands over a cheque from her mammoth sponsored walk, to Chief Executive of AMH, David Babington.
An Omagh man is tackling a beautiful scenic trek throughout some of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque terrain to help raise funds for Action Mental Health.
Travis Farrell, 23, has gathered up a hardy band of family and friends to walk Fermanagh’s Legnabrocky Trail in the Cuilcagh Mountain Park to raise cash for the charity which helps people experiencing mental ill-health
Running 14.9km long (or nine miles), the trail, affectionately known as the Stairway to Heaven for the stunning views afforded from the peak, is notable for its boardwalk, which runs for 1.6km across protected bogland.
Travis chose the route as it was one he has yet to traverse, even though he is a regular hiker, especially in the Gortin area.
He and his party will form a procession along environmentally important route on Sunday, September 2, in an attempt to raise as much funds for Action Mental Health as possible.
The young man, a personal trainer by profession and who plies his trade from his Co Tyrone home, was motivated to choose AMH in the aftermath of a suicide of a former classmate he had attended Omagh High School with.
“I drove past him one day and waved and the next day he had taken his life,” he said.
Travis has already received a huge lump sum of £300 from King’s Barbers in Omagh after they hosted a DJ event last Saturday. The cash boost has helped bolster the fundraising effort which continues on a Just Giving page opened for his initiative.
“I always wanted to do this walk and actually went down one day to have a go but there was such heavy rain I decided to leave it for another time because it’s such a long walk.”
Approximately 40 people have already committed to join him on the Stairway to Heaven and as an added incentive he is offering anyone who raises more than £100 a free personalised Travis Farrell personal training hoodie.
Travis hopes to raise at least £1000 through the collective endeavour of his walking party.
Action Mental Health’s Fundraising Officer Callum Clark said: “We are delighted that Travis has chosen Action Mental Health to benefit from the Stairway to Heaven trek next month.
“We wish him well on the walk and hope the weather holds for him so he and his fundraising party can fully enjoy the spectacular views at the top!”
Action Mental Health Chairman, Peter Fitzsimmons, presents Anne Broughton with her ICE award.
One of the people tasked to ensure Action Mental Health’s varied training programmes are delivered to the highest standards has been rewarded for her efforts.
Anne Broughton, AMH Quality Assurance Officer, has received the coveted Chairman’s ICE Award – just the fourth recipient of the award launched in 2016.
Anne, who is based at AMH Antrim Regional office, introduced a Framework Assessment to help clients get the utmost of their various training assessments.
The Chairman’s ICE award recognises individuals’ contribution to Innovation, Creativity and Excellence within the organisation and are presented twice a year to celebrate individual achievement. Recipients are presented with an ICE award and also win an extra day’s leave.
The awards were conceived in recognition that AMH’s people are “the organisation’s most important resource in achieving its mission and advancing its vision”, according to chairman Peter Fitzsimmons.
“The commitment, enthusiasm and skills of staff are vital to the success of AMH and to the quality of the service experienced by clients and customers. As such, AMH is committed to recognising and rewarding the achievements of its staff, “ he said.
Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington congratulated Anne on her achievement.
“Anne has a very distinct role as the Quality Assurance Officer and she ensures the quality of AMH training achieves appropriate standards. Many Skills Coaches will be aware of her in services undertaking assessment observations to support delivery which has ultimately raised the clients’ experience. The new Framework Assessment she introduced has been very well received and contributed to the recent positive ETI inspection outcome, as well as OCN and BCS audits.
“She has shown Innovation, Creativity and Excellence and really enhanced the client experience in AMH.
“I wish her well for her one day’s leave. There were a number of really strong submissions and the Chairman would like to thank all those who took the time to submit an application.”
Action Mental Health’s chief executive David Babington gets into gear, preparing to clock up the 55 miles of the 2018 Granite Challenge. Will you follow his lead and sign up?
It’s time once again for cyclists across Northern Ireland to consider taking part in the annual Granite Challenge, a 55-mile charity cycle through the beautiful Mourne Mountains, raising funds for Action Mental Health (AMH).
This year, the charity’s Chief Executive David Babington is leading by example and is once again donning the AMH kit and appealing for everyone to join him on Sunday, October 7.
As a local charity, Action Mental Health relies on the support of the local community to help provide their vital services. This year, all funds raised at the Granite Challenge will be used to support the AMH Men’s Shed in Downpatrick, a social hub and support network which caters for men over 50. The Men’s Shed provides a relaxed and friendly environment where men can build new friendships while sharing skills and learning new ones. Most importantly, the Shed offers members a really positive way to look after their mental health.
AMH have three Men’s Sheds across Northern Ireland, in Antrim, Downpatrick and Fermanagh. The Sheds 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’.
The picturesque Granite Challenge route wheels out from AMH New Horizons, in the cathedral town of Downpatrick, before snaking its way through Tyrella and Dundrum. The route then follows coastal roads through Newcastle, towards Annalong at the foot of the Mournes. The riders then 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.
The event takes place just ahead of World Mental Health Day 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.
Back for its seventh year, Mr Babington has participated in every race since its inception. Cycling, like any exercise, promotes mental well-being and when running took its toll on his knees, he turned to cycling.
“I realised I would have to try something different so I opted for cycling and I enjoyed it so much I’ve been hooked ever since,” David explained.
David soon found himself among a devoted group of cycling friends. Together, they cycle regularly, not only to keep fit but also to enjoy the benefits to their mental health and well-being that exercise and being out in nature is proven to provide.
“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.”
Food and refreshments are provided on the day. Early Bird entrance fees start at just £20 which includes a tea stop at Spelga where delicious homemade tray bakes and sweet treats will be provided.
Action Mental Health Chief Executive David Babington addresses the ‘Cinderella’ service – mental health – in Northern Ireland, as the NHS turns 70 in July.
Action Mental Health (AMH) has called for swift action to reverse the downward trend of funding for Northern Ireland’s mental health sector which has fallen to 6% of the total health budget. The portion of Northern Ireland’s health budget going into mental health has fallen progressively from 7.72% in 2012-13 to just 6% in 2016-17.
David Babington, Chief Executive of AMH said the figure here lags far behind what is spent by NHS England, despite Northern Ireland experiencing 25% greater incidence of mental illness. In England mental health services receive 11% of the total health budget – and that figure is on the rise.
Mr Babington made the call amid recognition of the 70th anniversary of the NHS when he repeated concern that the lack of political progress was preventing the pledged £50m boost specifically for mental health. It had been agreed under last year’s DUP/Conservative Confidence and Supply deal.
It is more than a year since the signing of the deal which had been greeted with optimism when the extra cash was earmarked for mental health provision. To date, there has been no confirmation that any of the money has been received by Northern Ireland’s mental health practitioners.
Among the pressures facing mental health provision is the spiralling rate of suicide in Northern Ireland. It outstrips the rest of the United Kingdom, figures show that more people here took their own lives, proportionately, than anywhere else in the UK.
That statistic echoes another shocking one that preceded Action Mental Health’s delegation in February to Westminster when it emerged that more people had died by suicide since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement than during the Troubles. That meeting, alongside the Together For You group of mental health charities and experts, was a rallying call for urgent action to improve Northern Ireland’s stricken mental health services. Hope was raised following the meeting when Action Mental Health was promised a meeting with Secretary of State Karen Bradley. To date, no such meeting has taken place.
He also called for a mental health strategy which exists in England, Scotland and Wales and said there needs to be focus and energy with dedicated resources to tackle these challenges. There has to be a cradle to grave approach with particular emphasis to prevent mental health issues developing in young people so they don’t further burden the NHS.
Mr Babington added: “The most recent boost to the service was the announcement of £50million over 5 years in the Conservative-DUP Confidence and Supply agreement. However, a year into that agreement we are yet to see any evidence of this new money being provided and bringing a positive impact to frontline services. The illusion of increased spending is in fact yet another false dawn to those who need the services the most.”
Chief Executive David Babington is interviewed about the state of Northern Ireland’s mental health services, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, by the BBC, during an event held to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS.
The annual display of back-to-school photos have begun to appear on social media already. Our children, young and older alike, are posing in shiny new uniforms – usually at the front door – and are heading off on either the first rung of their school ladder, or the next.
#FundraisingFriday this week is testament to another amazing show of courage and generosity from supporters of Action Mental Health.
A YOUNG Newtownards woman has completed a 297 mile sponsored walk, in memory of the same number of people who took their own lives in Northern Ireland in 2017.
An Omagh man is tackling a beautiful scenic trek throughout some of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque terrain to help raise funds for Action Mental Health.
