Action Mental Health marks 60 years

Local mental health charity Action Mental Health (AMH) is marking 60 years of providing vital mental health services across Northern Ireland.

As one of Northern Ireland’s leading disability and mental health charities Action Mental Health currently employs over 200 staff working across 14 locations and in the community delivering recovery, resilience, and counselling services.

In 2021/22 they supported over 50,000 people across the region which includes some of the most vulnerable in our society.

The charity was founded in Downpatrick on 30th April 1963 and was known as the Industrial Therapy Organisation before it subsequently developed into Action Mental Health (AMH).

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health said: “This milestone provides an opportunity for the organisation to reflect on the progress we have made in service provision and the many clients we have had the privilege to support, whilst also trying to address some very difficult questions as to how we continue to provide these much-needed services for those most in need.

"There is no doubt that there continues to be huge uncertainty across the sector due to a significant funding shortfall.

David added: “The loss of European Social Funding, which had supported 76,000 people since 2018 with over 11,000 participants moving into employment and another 11,000 into further education and training is of course a significant loss and we continue to work with partners to address this shortfall.

“Whilst we continue to operate in a challenging landscape, we remain committed to supporting our local communities and striving to live up to our mission of making a positive difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

To this end, the organisation’s newest provision SkillSET (Support, Employment, Training), commenced in April 2023, and will deliver employment and training support for people with disabilities, in partnership with six other voluntary sector providers. SkillSET is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF.

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health

AMH provides a variety of services in the Foyle area including AMH New Horizons Foyle which provides support to people suffering with mental ill health, offering personal development, vocational skills and employability training options including accredited qualifications and work placements.

"AMH also works with local schools and community groups through AMH MensSana, supporting all ages in the area of mental health and emotional wellbeing through a range of activities tailored to suit group needs.