Dave Elliott will be cycling nearly 293 miles around Action Mental Health services in NI, in just 3 days from 8th – 10th October for World Mental Health Day.
Follow along on this page for regular updates on Dave Elliott’s ‘Break the Cycle’ challenge on our social media channels!
Dave will be finishing the challenge in Belfast and helping reinforce the message that more funding is required from Government towards mental health services in Northern Ireland.
Donate to Dave’s ‘Break the Cycle’ challenge by texting DAVEFIVE or DAVETEN to 70085 to donate £5 or £10, or donate here on our website.
The CIPD’s 2025 Health and Wellbeing at Work report reveals a worrying rise in sickness absence, with the average UK employee taking nearly 2 working weeks off per year – an increase of 4 days per years since before the pandemic.
Behind these figures lies a critical issue – mental ill-health continues to be the leading cause of long-term absence, with stress, anxiety, burnout and depression not only driving absence but also impacting productivity, morale and wellbeing across sectors. It’s never been more important that employers provide meaningful, impactful and preventative support.
That’s where Action Mental Health’s Workplace Wellbeing Hub comes in. Here’s 5 ways the Workplace Wellbeing Hub can help employers to build a healthy and thriving workforce:
1. Providing Personalised and Impactful Support
1 in 5 UK adults struggle with a mental health condition. At Action Mental Health, we know that behind every statistic there is a person – a friend, a colleague, a partner, a parent – each facing unique challenges. That’s why the Workplace Wellbeing Hub focuses on personalised and targeted interventions. As a Hub member, your organisation will receive a Workplace Wellbeing Assessment, enabling us to understand the challenges and barriers your team faces and implement bespoke recommendations and interventions to ensure that employees’ wellness needs are met.
2. Building Stress Resilience and Coping Skills
Stress and burnout are now among the top drivers of absence, often leading to more chronic and complex mental health concerns. With employees frequently reporting feeling overwhelmed by increasing workloads, change and personal pressures, it’s vital that employers take a preventative approach. As a Hub member, your organisation has access to 4 live and recorded webinars, alongside face-to-face training and an extensive library of learning resources. Each training and resource is developed by mental health experts to ensure that your team have access to evidence-based techniques to manage stress and build resilience both inside and outside of the workplace.
3. Equipping Managers and HR to Support Teams Effectively
Managers and wellbeing leads are often the first point of contact for those struggling with their mental health, yet many lack the training and confidence to act effectively. The Workplace Wellbeing Hub includes access to a specialised “HR Hub”, guiding wellbeing and HR professionals through best practice on a range of workplace mental health scenarios. This includes facilitating compassionate return to work interviews, implementing effective reasonable adjustments, responding to workplace incidents and providing support for a range of mental health concerns. You’ll also have access to Action Mental Health’s wellbeing experts as extended team members. Whenever you need guidance on how best to support your team, we’re simply a phone-call away.
4. Embedding Preventative Measures Within Company Culture
CIPD’s 2025 report highlights that the majority of organisations continue to take reactive measures to tackle employee mental health. In contrast, Action Mental Health walks alongside you to embed best practice and preventative measures within your organisational policies and procedures. Whether you’re hoping to implement a new mental health policy or integrate wellbeing champions as an internal support structure, our consultancy services ensure that you are supported each step of the way.
5. Improving Access to Support Services
Reaching out for mental health support can feel daunting at first. The Workplace Wellbeing Hub’s “Signposting Hub” is a fantastic way for employees to understand and access support from organisations across Northern Ireland. Hub members can also avail of Action Mental Health’s BACP accredited counselling services, providing high-quality counselling for a range of mental health concerns and stressors.
Take Action Today
The CIPD report draws a clear conclusion – mental ill-health is an increasing challenge for UK employees and employers cannot afford to ignore it. Action Mental Health’s Workplace Wellbeing Hub provides the training, resources and interventions needed to reduce absence, support recovery and build a workplace where people can thrive.
Maria began her journey with Action Mental Health Foyle in January 2025, enrolling on the SkillSET programme with a clear ambition — to open her own skin care business. As a lone parent, she carefully prioritised her time, starting with the induction programme, where she was supported to develop a personalised training plan outlining the practical steps to turn her aspiration into reality.
From the outset, Maria immersed herself in both accredited and non-accredited pre-employment training to understand employer and customer expectations, develop professional standards, and strengthen her workplace skills. She successfully achieved her OCN Level 2 in Principles of Customer Care, completed a six-week Career Preparation course, and undertook the eight-week Biz Basics programme. Each stage of her learning was underpinned by mental health awareness training to ensure her wellbeing remained supported throughout her journey.
On 6th July, Maria proudly launched her skin care business, Ethereal Bliss, during an Action Mental Health business start-up event held in the ‘Garden of Reflection’ in L’Derry. Alongside five other clients, she embarked on her path to entrepreneurship.
With the continued guidance of her Key Worker, Allison, Maria applied for and secured additional support to grow her business. Her determination paid off when she was selected for the prestigious AIB–TU Dublin Self-Employment Course for Persons with Disabilities — outshining 40 applicants to secure one of just 20 places, each valued at €1,250.
This fully sponsored programme covers her TU Dublin course fees and provides access to essential business development tools, including a license for specialist online software to create her business plan. She will also benefit from a dedicated Business Mentor and support from the Open Doors Initiative, offering further opportunities to expand her enterprise.
Reflecting on her experience, Maria shared:
“I cannot stress enough the numerous benefits in engaging with Action Mental Health SkillSet project for enhancing employability and career prospects for people with mental ill-health. The SkillSET programme provided me with opportunities for personal and social development, built my confidence, and improved essential workplace skills. I’ve gained relevant qualifications, valuable experience, and the support needed to progress towards my entrepreneurial dream.”
SkillSET is an employment programme providing support to adults with health conditions and/or disabilities. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Action Mental Health delivers the programme across Northern Ireland, helping people with mental health issues to build their skills through education, training and access to volunteering, further education and the workplace. If you would like to know more information, or enquire about our SkillSET programme.
Join Us for a Night under the Stars to Support Mental Health
On Friday, June 20th, 2025, people across Northern Ireland and beyond will come together to “Camp Out for Someone”, a unique fundraising event in support of Action Mental Health. Whether it’s wild camping in the great outdoors or setting up a tent in the back garden, participants will take part in an unforgettable night under the stars, embracing the power of nature and community.
Timed to coincide with the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 21st, this event is designed to bring people together, encouraging them to wake up with the sunrise and make the most of the longest day of the year. Through participation, fundraising, and social media engagement, supporters will help raise awareness and vital funds for mental health services across Northern Ireland.
Craigavon Travellers Support Committee enjoy ‘thought-provoking’ BodyTalk session from Action Mental Health
Action Mental Health project worker, Deborah McCready (L), who helps to deliver the charity’s eating disorders support, pictured with Shauna Duggan (R) from the SHSCT’s Eating Disorders Team.
Young people from Craigavon Travellers Support Committeehave taken part in an interactive workshopfrom Action Mental Health aimed at raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders.
The BodyTalk session was delivered as part of the charity’s ongoing work within this area and to link in with Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 24 – March 2). The girls who participated in the event – aged between 11 and 17 years old – subsequently discussed the body image concerns they faced in today’s society, along with the various pressures experienced by young people generally online.
Leeann Stewart, Youth worker with Craigavon Travellers Support Committee, said: “We had the privilege of welcoming Action Mental Health to deliver a beautiful and thought-provoking session on body talk. The session was empowering, sparking open conversations about how we see ourselves – and the pressures placed upon us. We are so proud of the young women in this group for their courage and willingness to challenge unrealistic beauty standards. Let’s continue lifting each other up and embracing who we are, exactly as we are!”
In 2019, The Mental Health Foundation and YouGov (2019) found that 37% of teenagers felt upset about their body image, while 31% also felt ashamed. Meanwhile, 40% of teenagers said images on social media caused them to worry about their body image.
“Research like this highlights the need for intervention and prevention at an early age,” said Deborah McCready, project worker with Action Mental Health’s eating disorders support team.
“The session with Craigavon Travellers Support Committee went really well. We made it very interactive and the young girls talked about issues which directly impacted them, like social media and some of the pressures that young people are facing today. We had open conversations about the way we can negatively talk to ourselves and how we’re often not aware of the impact that has on our self-esteem. That was a really practical thing the girls could take away – just being aware of how they speak to themselves and to practice more self-compassion.”
We all enjoy a good joke and can attest to feeling better after a bout of laughing with friends or family, so it’s good to know that the science agrees. Indeed, from research carried out to date on laughter, it appears that sharing a giggle with people can do wonders for our mental health and helps us feel safer and more connected. Plus, it’s fun, so what’s not to like?
According to psychologist, Dr Robert Provine – the world’s leading scientific expert on laughter – the positive emotions we share when we laugh with people is critically important for social cohesion. Basically, when we laugh with those around us, we bond with them and make connections, which reduce feelings of isolation and help boost our mental wellbeing. In short, we form a community and/or a network in which we feel safe and at ease.
Describing laughter as “a social vocalization that binds people together,” [1] interestingly, Dr Provine found that the key stimulus for laughter was usually another person. I.e. we spontaneously laugh more in relation to the person, than what it is they’re actually saying. Laughter is also much more common in social situations than in solitary ones, so we tend to laugh more often when we’re with others than when we’re alone.
Physiological benefits of laughter
Further research shows that, while it “is commonly accepted that laughter produces psychological benefits, such as improving affect, depression, anxiety, and stress,” [2] there are also physiological benefits to laughing.
Indeed, recent studies have indicated that laughter can improve heart health, with the effects of a good chuckle expanding our arteries and increasing the flow of oxygen around the body. [3]. Other physiological benefits of laughter include stimulating the muscles and lungs as well as triggering the release of feel-good endorphins from our brain.
Long-term, laughter can also improve our immune system: “Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.” [4]. It can even help to relieve pain, as laughter can assist the body in producing natural painkillers.
Reducing social isolation
Counselling Coordinator – Casual Team at Action Mental Health, Lauren Darragh, said laughter was a great way of connecting people and reducing isolation – which is a key part of the work carried out by her team.
“Studies have shown that laughing also reduces a lot of stress hormones,” she said. “It can impact the dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Low levels of these are often associated with depression and low mood, so boosting these through laughter can have a positive effect on our mood.”
She added that laughter could also help to increase people’s resilience and tenacity. Indeed, by reducing stress and boosting the immune system, laughter allows us to refocus – all of which, with our enhanced mood, ultimately builds a more resilient character.
“I think life is about fun as well as overcoming the hardships,” said Lauren. “It’s about laughter and lightness and joy. As a therapist, you hold that hope that there are the positives. With laughter, the huge thing for me is the bond that you find with other people through laughing together. It can show that the person is safe and it encourages connection and communication and reduces isolation.
Lauren Darragh from Action Mental Health.
“At Action Mental Health the majority of our work is based on removing isolation. It’s about encouraging connectedness and counselling is part of that.”
With Action Mental Health’s ‘Stand-up for Someone’ comedy nights planned for April, these offer a great opportunity to enjoy a laugh with friends and family while raising funds for vital mental health services.
“I think, particularly in Northern Ireland, we have a very good sense of humour,” said Lauren. “It’s a part of our culture. Sharing a laugh with someone bonds you. It’s how people make connections and what we know about mental health is that people’s mental health deteriorates without connection. Anything that encourages connection is part of that and something to celebrate.”
(L-R) Joanne McClelland, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Henderson Group; Lauren Houston, Workplace Wellbeing Coordinator; David Babington, Action Mental Health CEO; Dr Ruth Fleck, Consultant Clinical Psychologist; Heather White, Head of HR at Lunn’s Jewellers.
A new online platform and membership scheme created by Action Mental Health to help HR professionals support their workforces more effectively with their mental health and wellbeing launched at The MAC, Belfast on Thursday, 23 January.
Created by our team of experienced professionals, the Workplace Wellbeing Hub offers bespoke solutions for organisations of all sizes. Those who sign up will subsequently benefit from a range of strategic mental health and wellbeing consultancy, training and support, along with a suite of professional online resources, webinars and more.
David Babington, Action Mental Health CEO.
Speaking at the launch, Action Mental Health CEO, David Babington, said the Workplace Wellbeing Hub was unique in that, it not only offered tailored support to employees but also specifically assisted HR and wellbeing professionals in supporting their workforce.
“There remains a significant unmet need for businesses in terms of supporting their staff and addressing their wellbeing needs,” he said. “Whilst workplace training has been part of Action Mental Health’s service offering for a number of years we have never had a membership offering or digital platform designed specifically for this purpose.
“The new Workplace Wellbeing Hub strengthens our existing services by combining digital innovation with expert, locally-delivered support – offering employers a comprehensive solution to workplace wellbeing.”
Also speaking at the launch were Joanne McClelland, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Henderson Group – one of Action Mental Health’s partners – and Heather White, Head of HR at Lunn’s Jewellers, which is one of the first employers to sign up to the Wellbeing Hub. Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr Ruth Fleck, also addressed attendees, along with Lauren Houston, Coordinator of Action Mental Health’s workplace wellbeing services.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside Action Mental Health and over the past year have witnessed their expertise and support,” said Heather. “The feedback from our managers and colleagues has been nothing short of exceptional. It’s given us the confidence to support each other in the workplace and at home. The support from Action Mental Health has been invaluable and being part of the Workplace Wellbeing Hub going forward is a key part of our business strategy for this year.”
Dr Fleck added that organisations had a duty of care to their staff to implement impactful mental health care within the workplace, something that required long-term investment rather than one-off training days or events. “It’s about having a range of strategies in place – a complete and whole-system change and approach.”
Workplace Wellbeing Coordinator, Lauren Houston with Action Mental Health CEO David Babington and Dr Ruth Fleck.
With many of us kick-starting the year with personal fitness goals and resolutions to prioritise our health and wellbeing in 2025, why not help both yourself and others in the process?
At Action Mental Health we have multiple opportunities throughout the year for runners to take part in a range of marathons and half-marathons, both locally and further afield. Indeed, if Belfast doesn’t appeal, then how about Vienna, Rome, Paris or Milan? The perfect opportunity to combine some sightseeing with your running, you could even make a holiday of it and book a few days away to really make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re new to running, are an occasional runner or a seasoned marathon-goer, our events are scattered across the year, so there’s plenty of time to train up for a good cause. By running on behalf of Action Mental Health you’ll subsequently help to raise awareness of our services for people in your local community as well as assisting with vital fundraising to help us continue delivering these. You’ll also have something to work towards, with a clear running goal, which will give that added sense of achievement when you complete your run.
So, this year, why not run for a reason and sign up to one of our marathons or half-marathons? Your support today will ultimately help to make someone’s tomorrow that bit brighter.
Embrace the mental and physical benefits of running
There are many benefits to running, both to our physical and mental health, so it’s a great way to keep fit and healthy, no matter what age you are. It’s also a flexible hobby as you can do it whenever suits your schedule and is relatively cheap, as the key essentials required are simply a good pair of running shoes and some appropriate running kit.
Advantages of running:
Boosts heart health: Research shows that running strengthens the heart and lowers your resting heartrate, making it more efficient. Running further reduces the risk of heart disease, as a healthier and more robust heart is less likely to succumb to illness.
Improves muscle and joint strength: Running makes your body more resilient so if you run regularly, your muscles will get stronger and this in turn will help to prevent injury. Your joints will also benefit, as research indicates that runners actually experience less wear and tear on their joints than those who don’t run.
Better mood: The so-called ‘runner’s high’ is true as it has been found that running boosts our mood and enhances mental wellbeing. It reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and makes us feel better and happier in ourselves.
Gets you out in nature: When we run outside it allows us a chance to get out and about in nature, which is also known to boost our mental wellbeing.
Improves sleep: Running, especially earlier in the day, gives us energy while ultimately tiring out our body in a good way. It means that, by the time we go to bed, our bodies are better prepared for sleeping, while the sleep we experience will be better quality as a result and we won’t find it as difficult to nod off.
Run for a reason in 2025
If you’re ready to give running a go this year then we’re currently accepting applications for our various Action Mental Health running challenges in 2025.
Having launched our “I AM SOMEONE” campaign on World Mental Health Day last October, we’re now encouraging our supporters to ‘run for someone’ by participating in one (or more!) of our marathons or half-marathons. Why not run for a reason this year and help to support people in your community who are struggling with their mental health?
