Sam’s journey with Action Mental Health Foyle began in January 2025, a moment he now describes as the first step toward reclaiming his confidence and purpose. When he enrolled on the SkillSET programme on 6 October 2025, he arrived determined to move forward, yet unsure of what the future might hold.
From day one, Sam threw himself into both accredited and non‑accredited personal development and pre‑employment training. He wanted to understand what employers expected of him, but more importantly, he wanted to rediscover his own strengths.
To build his confidence further, Sam began volunteering, tending the allotments at the Fountain Community and helping develop the gardens at St. Columb’s Park. These experiences allowed him not only to learn new skills but also to reconnect with people, nature, and a sense of community contribution.
His dedication paid off. Sam achieved two Level 2 accredited programmes, in RSPH Award in Food Safety and Hygiene and OCNNI Stress Management Techniques. Every step of the way, mental health awareness training helped him stay grounded, supported, and resilient. Sam wasn’t just gaining qualifications; he was rebuilding his life.
Then, in November, an opportunity arrived that would change his trajectory. Grahams Construction, a leading company delivering major projects across the UK and Ireland, offered a paid 12‑week training placement as part of their social value commitment.
Sam was one of many to interview, but he stood out, not just for his impressive CV, but for the determination he had nurtured throughout his time on the SkillSET Programme. He secured the placement and began on 7 November 2025.
Since starting, Sam has flourished. He has embraced the variety of tasks, the chance to learn from experienced teams, and the excitement of travelling to different sites. Reflecting on his progress, Sam shared:
“I am blown away by the opportunity and the experience. I look forward to what each day brings.”
Sam credits the Action Mental Health SkillSET programme’s carefully designed model of delivery, led by highly trained staff with specialist expertise in mental health support, for providing the structure, guidance, and encouragement he needed to progress.
With a framework grounded in professional mental health practice, he benefited from focused goal‑setting, tailored coaching, specialist pre-employment mentoring, combined with high‑quality training that supported both his wellbeing and his personal development.
He describes the intervention as “exactly what I needed at exactly the right time”, reflecting the impact of working with staff who truly understand the complexities of mental health recovery.
Sam now encourages anyone on their own mental health or recovery journey to connect with Action Mental Health Foyle, saying they genuinely do “take action on mental health.”
Sam knows his journey is far from finished. With renewed confidence, strengthened skills, and a belief in his future, nurtured through the support of mental‑health‑specialist staff, he feels ready to step forward and begin writing the next chapter of his life.
From April 2026, Northern Ireland faces a severe and unnecessary funding cliff edge for voluntary and community sector-led services – including programmes like SkillSET. Please help us protect those most in need of our support.
