All posts by actionmentalhealth

AMH News

AMH New Horizons celebrate 25 years in Fermanagh

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh staff when the service opened, along with representatives from the WHSCT.

Clients and staff from AMH New Horizons Fermanagh were celebrating this week with a BBQ in the Serenity Garden at their base in Enniskillen.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh was established in 1991 and was initially based in Enniskillen town centre. In 1992 the service relocated to its current site in Cherrymount Road, Drumcoo, Enniskillen.

AMH New Horizons Fermanagh works in the community to improve the health and well-being of people, changing the lives of those living with mental ill-health and promoting resilience and well-being. Action Mental Health has grown to be the largest mental health charity in Northern Ireland.

The project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy, and the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The development of the Serenity Garden was taken forward by the Time Out Programme funded by the Big Lottery through the Western Regional Alcohol Programme.

Clients enjoying the BBQ celebrating 25 years

Caroline Ferguson, Service Manager, has been with AMH New Horizons Fermanagh since it first opened its doors. Reflecting on the past 25 years Caroline said, “It’s wonderful to reflect back on the past 25 years and to see how the service has grown and developed. We opened our doors here in 1991 with 12 clients and today we have more than 150 people availing of our services though AMH New Horizons and the Men’s Shed.  Our staff team, several of whom have been with us since 1991,  are enthusiastic and excited about continuing to deliver high quality, innovative programmes to local people.”

Find out more about AMH New Horizons.

AMH News

Back by popular demand … the Granite Challenge

Now in its sixth year the 55 mile charity cycle is taking place on 8 October.

The cycle starts in the cathedral town of Downpatrick, cycling via Tyrella towards Dundrum, along the coast road through the seaside town of Newcastle towards Annalong. Then it’s up into the Mourne Mountains, past Silent Valley and then downhill towards home through Bryansford, Maghera and Clough.

View the route at www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1599665740

Sign up now at www.granitechallenge17.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note: due to health and safety we have changed the beginning of the route.

AMH News

Fat Face sign up to take action on mental health

Action Mental Health is delighted to announce our charity partnership with Fat Face, Belfast.

Fat Face have signed up to make a real difference to people living with mental ill-health across Northern Ireland.

Fat Face is a fashionable chain retailer selling outdoor casual wear and accessories for men, women and children. Fat Face proudly design and make clothes that reflect the happy, healthy lifestyles of their customers.

The branch in Victoria Square, Belfast will be raising funds and awareness of mental health over the coming months.

We are delighted to have Fat Face on board and look forward to working together.

Testimonials

Gaining confidence and a job

Since the death of my husband I found myself on my own and working full-time. I walked out of jobs and felt I had no control in my life – and problems I had I wasn’t dealing with them. I kept my feelings to myself and couldn’t recognise that I was unable to cope. On a few occasions I reached a very low point.

I turned to alcohol as a way of coping, thinking this would alleviate my feelings. I realised I was unable to cope with serious issues.  I spoke to my GP who referred me to the Community Addictions Team and my keyworker there referred me to AMH New Horizons.

I started attending AMH New Horizons. Due to my financial situation I forced myself quickly into full-time paid employment. However, I wasn’t ready for this. Due to my poor mental health I was unable to maintain the job and so I started to attend AMH New Horizons again.

I met other people who felt like I did. Without pressure I was able to talk in confidence and gradually found it easier to talk about my situation both past and present. I was able to attend courses and activities which I really enjoyed. AMH supported me to take part in voluntary work. They also supported and signposted me to the local Foodbank when I had no money for food, and to Citizens Advice to help sort my debt situation. I have been able to attend a computer class and build my IT skills. I was also able to get 1-1 interview preparation and support to get a part-time paid job. The service has been a great help to me and my confidence has increased.

I now feel I have more control in my life and I am able to buy food and clothes without stressing. I feel I have more self-worth. I don’t feel as lonely now either and I can approach staff if I need to. Receiving support, attending courses, activities and a work placement helped to increase my confidence and to get paid work. Works helps to keep me focused and is good for my mental and physical health.

I have enjoyed attending AMH New Horizons, there is no stress, staff are non-judgemental, I see friendly faces, I can learn and I can talk to staff. The service helps provide support for anyone who is struggling and wants to improve their well-being and skills. If you are feeling low it is the best place to be. I now have more confidence, a new job and my self-respect.

– LM

AMH New Horizons assists adults recovering from mental ill-health. A range of person centred programmes are offered in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere to support recovery. Find out more about AMH New Horizons.

The ‘Working it Out’ project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

Events

Celebrations at Newry New Horizons!

On 30 June clients, staff, family and friends celebrated the hard work and commitment of 99 service users at AMH New Horizons Newry & Mourne who achieved an outstanding 365 accredited awards. 

The service users were part of the ‘Working it Out’ Project which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy

Thank you to Aisling Press, Regional Manager at Danske Bank who presented the certificates to our service users.

A proud day for all connected to AMH New Horizons Newry & Mourne.

 

 

AMH News

Small Change, Big Difference

Action Mental Health is calling on returning holiday makers to donate their leftover foreign currency to help take action on mental health.

Jonathan Smyth, Fundraising and Communications Manager with the charity, launched the appeal alongside Danske Bank’s Eddie Taylor and Lynsey Jamison.

Call into any Danske Bank across Northern Ireland to drop off your foreign, or out of circulation currency. All money raised will go towards Action Mental Health’s programme to promote mental and emotional well-being in children.

Events

AMH New Horizons Derriaghy Celebrate Clients’ Success

Special guests Mayor Tim Morrow and Robbie Butler MLA joined staff and clients of Action Mental Health (AMH) New Horizons Derriaghy in the beautiful surroundings of Colin Glen Allotments, to celebrate a year of achievement.

149 certificates were awarded to 57 clients in subjects such as stress management techniques, healthy living, improving confidence and self-esteem and ECDL.

All the recipients are part of the AMH Working it Out Project which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy

Musical entertainment was provided by the newly formed AMH ukulele group along with support from Belfast Uke Jam and guests were treated to the now legendary annual BBQ feast!

 Reflecting on the year, Service Manager Eoin McAnuff said “We are delighted to celebrate our clients’ achievements throughout the year in our service. Our clients have worked hard to achieve goals they have set themselves and it is wonderful to organise this event to celebrate their success.  Our clients have worked hard to promote their own positive mental health and their achievements are a testament to the work they put into doing this”

“I’d also like to pay thanks to our funders The Department for the Economy through the European Social Fund programme and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust who have enabled us to support our clients to improve their mental health and well-being.”