Opportunity to take part in new mental health awareness programme

The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with Action Mental Health (AMH), is encouraging participation in a new programme which focuses on raising awareness of mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Mindset is a mental and emotional health and wellbeing awareness programme open to groups of both young people aged 14-17 years old and adults.

The programme, which in delivered by AMH in youth and community settings, is new to Northern Ireland and is funded by the PHA. Mindset is run continuously throughout the year and is available across the Western, Northern, Belfast and South Eastern Trust areas. 

Groups of between eight and 20 people can be facilitated on the programme, which lasts three and a half hours.

Fiona Teague, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “The Mindset programme aims to raise awareness and increase knowledge and understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Participants will be able to learn more about what mental health is and who is at risk of mental ill-health. 

“This includes raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and promoting self-help techniques so that people can maintain a safe level of positive mental health.”

The evidence-based programme will be facilitated by AMH MensSana project workers.

Chief Executive of AMH, David Babington, added: “As many as one in four people in Northern Ireland will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, so it’s vital that individuals are equipped with the appropriate support, knowledge and coping strategies as a precautionary measure. 

“We’re thrilled to launch the Mindset programme with the PHA, which is tailored to promote self-care amongst participants such as through the Five Ways to Wellbeing and Mindfulness. Those who take part in the programme will also be able to get further information on sources of mental health support both regionally and locally.”

For further information or to book a place on a programme please contact mindset@amh.org.uk or telephone 0779 3241238 or 0788 9804516.

ENDS