Tag Archives: SkillSET

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.

Starting out with SkillSET

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.

Becoming an entrepreneur

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.

Action Mental Health SkillSET client, Maria, at her business stall.

New successes

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.”

NI Can’t Wait

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.

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“I look forward to what each day brings”: Sam’s story

February 16, 2026 actionmentalhealth

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.

Building confidence

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.

A new opportunity

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.”

How SkillSET helped

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.

The next chapter

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.

NI Can’t Wait

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“I have regained my self-worth”: Lisburn client story

February 16, 2026 actionmentalhealth

Delivered across Northern Ireland by Action Mental Health, the SkillSET programme is for adults not currently in employment who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or mental ill-health. SkillSET helps individuals to shape their future by building confidence and developing new skills.

A client from our Lisburn service, shares his experience of the programme:

“I used to feel like a failure, but since joining the SkillSET programme at Action Mental Health Lisburn, I have been able to access valuable support that has helped me rebuild my confidence and self-esteem.”

“The classes, particularly the stress management course, have been especially beneficial. I learned practical ways to handle stressful situations more positively, which has motivated me to take on further training and explore new opportunities.”

“Through attending the weekly Employment Hub sessions, I have now gained paid employment and, in doing so, have regained both my self-worth and my sense of identity.”

“I would wholeheartedly recommend the SkillSET programme at Action Mental Health Lisburn to anyone who may benefit from it.”

NI Can’t Wait

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