mental health support

Could you face sleeping outside for one night in November so a young person doesn't have to? If so, register for MACS Sleep Out in association with End Youth Homelessness at Banana Block on the 24th November or plan your own Sleep Out with MACS's help.

🌟 SCALE NEW HEIGHTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH! 🌟 Take the leap and make a difference! Join us on Sunday 9 June to abseil down the iconic City Hotel Derry and show your support for those affected by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder 💛

Join us to take GIANT STEPS for mental health services here in Northern Ireland! This Causeway Coastal Walk will bring you along the waymarked paths of the spectacular Causeway Coastline. Be prepared for mind-blowing views of sea cliffs, white sand beaches, crashing waves beneath you, and wildlife before celebrating your accomplishment with a beer (or soft drink) and burger!

*****Please note this course will run on Friday 21st & 28th May 2021 at 9:30am - 4:30pm. You must attend all days to obtain the award***** Course Overview Did you know 1 in 4 people in the UK are likely to experience mental health problems each year? Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet whilst we know how to take care of our own physical health, many people do not know how to support relatives, friends and even colleagues who are experiencing poor mental health. By developing a greater understanding of common mental health issues, as well as how best to support and guide someone to professional help, you can help further reduce the stigma associated with mental health in the UK. The QA Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification that has been specifically designed for those who would like to raise their awareness of mental health, develop an understanding on how best to support, reassure and signpost colleagues to professional support. What’s more, candidates will develop the knowledge, skills an confidence to actively promote positive mental health within their workplace, making it an ideal qualification for mental health champions/first aiders, human resources, managers, supervisors and team leaders. What's Covered Understanding mental health and its importance - The roles and responsibilities for mental health in the workplace - Importance of own wellbeing as a mental health first aider - Common mental health conditions, including: o Characteristics and features o Work-related stress o Anxiety o Eating disorders o Depression o Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) o Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) o Phobias o Bipolar o Self-harm o Psychosis o Suicide - Promoting positive mental health first aid in the workplace o Best practice for employers o Mental health first aid at work action plan o Appropriate coping strategies - How employers can provide support to employees in the workplace o Assisting those off work or returning to work - Procedures to support employees who are off work whilst experiencing poor mental health - Types of support available both locally and nationally

You are invited to join us for the closing celebration of the Need to Talk Project. Launched in 2017, the Need to Talk project is coming to a close. RNIB and NCBI (National Council of Blind Ireland) want to invite those who helped deliver the project, fund the project and who took part in the project, to come together to look at the highlights and success of the initiative and to celebrate its legacy. The event will take place on Thursday, 28 September in the Clayton Hotel, Belfast. Starting at 11am, speakers will include representatives of the project, as well as participants and recipients of the Need to Talk counselling and confidence building courses. The event will conclude at 1pm with lunch. We would like to welcome as many Need to Talk participants as we can; people who availed of the counselling service or took part in the many Living Well With Sight Loss courses. We would also like to invite anyone with an interest in mental health and counselling.