New Horizons Foyle clients reap rewards of hard work

Clients at Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Foyle are ringing in the new year with a host of new qualifications which will herald new beginnings for people who have experienced periods of mental ill health.

Some 75 clients will receive certificates for a variety of vocational, personal development and employability courses, during a special presentation event on Tuesday, January 14.

Action Mental Health New Horizons nine services across Northern Ireland offer clients a comprehensive programme of specialist training courses, tailoring programmes to suit individuals’ personal needs.

These projects 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.

A number of local public officials will join the celebrations, including a host of employers who will also receive special awards and certificates for their continued support of the charity. Brian McGarvey, Assistant Director of Adult Mental Health Services, Western Trust, will officiate during the event.

Invited guests will also hear from a number of clients who will relate their personal journeys through New Horizons, including some who are moving on to employment and further training.

The event serves as an opener for a host of events planned for clients at the North West service this year.

Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, David Babington said: “We are delighted for our clients who have accomplished a number of goals that many of them would never have imagined they could have achieved when they first entered New Horizons.

“Many clients are very apprehensive when they start, but as feedback attests over and over again, they quickly feel the warmth of the welcome from our specialist, empathetic staff. They make new friends among people who understand just how they feel, and soon they are completing valuable and enjoyable courses which will equip them with both valuable life skills and often, valued employment.”

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.