Mental Health Promotion
Mental Health Promotion
Mental Health Promotion
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
Contents
page
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Presentation of responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Category 1:
General mental health promotion which has been universally applied to everybody
within or across particular developmental stages (eg children, young people, adults, older people)
or within a particular setting (eg workplace, school, primary care) or related generally to issues
(eg stress, bullying, self-esteem). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Category 2:
Programmes related to infants and pre-school children within high-risk groups
(eg parenting projects, home start, support, play groups). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Category 3:
Programmes related to school aged children or young people within high-risk groups
(e.g. young carers, counselling, support, special needs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Category 4:
Programmes related to adults or older people within high-risk groups
(eg post-natal, social support, helplines, centres).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Category 5:
Programmes related to individuals or groups with an early or less disabling mental health
or behaviour problem, or their carers (eg occupational health, employment initiatives, self help). . . . . . . . 114
Category 6:
Programmes related to individuals or groups with an identified severe mental health
or behavioural problem or a diagnosed mental illness, or their carers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
Foreword
This document provides an initial database of a range of projects underway in Northern Ireland which aim
to promote mental health.
In October 1998 the Department of Health and Social Services commissioned the Health Promotion
Agency for Northern Ireland to develop a strategy and action plan for mental health promotion, and a Task
Force was formed.
The scope of the work given to the Task Force on Mental Health Promotion is outlined as the following:
“The strategy and action plan should address the issues which affect mental health. It should
have a mental health rather than a mental illness focus and should aim to cover the needs of
individuals and communities, not just those with existing mental health problems. It should
also aim to increase understanding about mental health, develop education programmes, and
plan a media strategy to support the framework.
“The strategy and action plan should focus on the differing needs of children, young people,
adults and the elderly, and identify groups within each of these age ranges which might benefit
from specific interventions to promote good mental health and wellbeing.
“It should specifically address the problems associated with suicides, particularly among young
people, and include measures to help young people develop a positive self-image and healthy and
satisfying relationships with peers and family.”
As part of increasing understanding about mental health, it was considered important to document the
range of interventions which currently exist across Northern Ireland.
It is acknowledged that this database cannot claim to be fully comprehensive, but it forms a start to the
collection of information on a vitally important issue. This information will be updated in the future.
I would like to thank all those who contributed to the document and hope that it provides a useful resource.
Dr Brian Gaffney
Chief Executive
(Chair of Regional Task Force on Mental Health Promotion)
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
Introduction
The national and international policy climate is placing growing emphasis on improving the mental health
status of the population. In addition to concerns about an increasing youth suicide rate, the World Health
Organisation predicts that mental illness, most notably depression, is likely to become a major health issue.
There is a growing interest in adopting a public health approach to promoting the mental health of the
population. This approach emphasises promoting good mental health, early intervention and preventing
mental health problems. It requires a new way of thinking about mental health and its determinants, the
causes of mental health problems and about action to improve the mental health of the population.
Mental health is fundamental to good health and quality of life and therefore must be addressed as part of
improving Northern Ireland’s overall health.
Mental health promotion has its roots, its meaning and its strength in individual and community
capacities, competencies and wisdom to deal with life’s challenges.
Mental health promotion is an approach which enables people to increase control over and improve their
own health. It recognises that all people are intrinsically resourceful, ie they have their own capacity to
make decisions about what is, or is not, good for them. This capacity may be compromised by internal and
external forces such as stress, illness, violence, abuse, poverty, injustice, unemployment and major life
events. When this resourcefulness is ‘overloaded’ then external conditions need to be set up to foster and
support that resourcefulness.
The aim of mental health promotion is to enhance competence, self-esteem and a sense of wellbeing at the
individual level, and to address the broader structures and environments that have negative mental health
impacts.
• public policy and structural approaches: addressing issues known to affect mental health, for example,
unemployment, poverty, inequality, social exclusion, housing, public safety, racism and discrimination;
• health promotion and education: which might include exercise, coping skills, parenting skills,
relationship skills, negotiating and self-assertion techniques, opportunities for participation and social
inclusion and programmes to build self-esteem;
• work directed at the primary prevention of mental illness: such as social support for new mothers,
reducing the rate of post-natal depression;
Improving the mental health of individuals, families, organisations and communities has a number of
recognised benefits. It can:
• enhance citizenship, giving people the skills and confidence to adopt meaningful and effective roles in
society;
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
• increase productivity;
• help to reduce either the incidence or the severity of mental health problems;
• reduce the significant costs, to individuals, their families, their employers, the health service and the
country as a whole.
There is moral argument that the promotion of mental health is worthwhile in itself, and that it is a basic
community responsibility to foster mental as well as physical wellbeing.
Mental health is the emotional and spiritual resilience which enables us to enjoy life and to survive pain,
suffering and disappointment. It is a positive sense of wellbeing and an underlying belief in our own and
others’ dignity and worth. Mental health is influenced by our genetic inheritance and by our experiences in
the following three key areas.
1. Healthy structures
Healthy social, economic and cultural structures provide a basic framework for developing and
maintaining positive mental health.
Structural factors associated with an increased risk of mental health problems include unemployment,
poor housing, inequality in income, discrimination, and limited opportunities to exercise choice or
control. Education is a protective factor for mental health, notably pre-school education.
Examples of mental health promotion initiatives that aim to address healthy structures include:
• the establishment of a community development programme on the environment – increasing
awareness and opportunities to participate among young people;
• the creation of an anti-stigma campaign – increasing awareness about mental health, changing
attitudes and increasing respect towards people experiencing mental health problems, reducing their
distress, increasing their integration and willingness to seek help;
• the development of child/family health strategies – assessing the impact of current policies and
practice on families, increasing family friendly policies in the workplace and the development of
initiatives and services which support families;
• the establishment of specific advocacy and interpretation initiatives – providing culturally
appropriate advocates and interpreters, increasing awareness and understanding and ensuring access
for all to services.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
Examples of mental health promotion initiatives that aim to enhance citizenship include:
• the establishment of mental health policies in the workplace – reducing the rate of absenteeism and
increasing productivity through reducing organisational causes of stress, increasing opportunities for
control and promoting awareness of mental health issues;
• anti-bullying schemes – reducing the rate of physical and verbal abuse/bullying within schools and
increasing the self-esteem of pupils;
• the development of a community safety policy – reducing the rates of crime and vandalism,
increasing citizens’ feelings of safety resulting in their increased use of public spaces.
Examples of mental health promotion initiatives that aim to increase emotional resilience include:
• parenting skills courses – increasing the confidence of parents in dealing with their children,
improving relationships between parents and children and between parents and professionals;
• life skills training – increasing appropriate services provided by primary health care teams and
increasing the coping strategies among older people, who may be particularly vulnerable;
• the development of good childcare facilities – allowing parents to work and care for their children
more effectively and children in turn to feel more cared for and therefore better able to learn and
develop;
• peer support programmes – to discourage alcohol and substance abuse among adolescents;
• training schemes for registered childminders – promoting understanding of the emotional needs of
pre-school children.
Source: Health Education Authority (1997). Mental Health Promotion: A Quality Framework
A range of definitions of mental health now exist which span a wide theoretical base and have moved
away from traditional views of mental health equalling mental illness.
The Regional Strategy for Health and Wellbeing (1997-2002) states “the determinants of mental health
include physical health, personality, early childhood influences, particularly the quality of parenting,
recent life events and social factors, eg unemployment and social isolation. Good mental health is
associated with positive self-image, healthy and satisfying relationships with peers and family, skills and
competencies in decision making and problem solving and self-motivation and social support in facing
life events. The changing nature of social roles and factors such as unemployment have a bearing on
emotional wellbeing. In particular the issues of anxiety and depression, especially in vulnerable groups
such as women, older people, unemployed people and those recently bereaved or traumatised, and of
caring for carers, need to be addressed.”
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
Objectives
• To collect information on interventions and initiatives in Northern Ireland which are intended to
promote mental health, ie interventions which promote mental health in the general population or in
high-risk groups (eg disadvantaged single mothers, children who are bullied, those under stress at work).
Methodology
This database was compiled during January and February 1999. A questionnaire was prepared, based on a
similar survey designed by Health Promotion Wales, to encourage a rapid response with a concise outline
of projects and interventions.
Fifteen hundred questionnaires were sent to a wide range of organisations and individuals throughout
Northern Ireland (voluntary, community and statutory) in December 1998. Respondents were asked to
identify in which of the following six categories they would place their project:
1. General mental health promotion which has been universally applied to everybody within or across
particular developmental stages (eg children, young people, adults, older people) or within a particular
setting (eg workplace, school, primary care) or related generally to issues (eg stress, bullying, self-
esteem).
2. Programmes related to infants and pre-school children within high-risk groups (eg parenting projects,
home start, support, play groups).
3. Programmes related to school aged children or young people within high-risk groups (eg young carers,
counselling, support, special needs).
4. Programmes related to adults or older people within high-risk groups (eg post-natal, social support,
helplines, centres).
5. Programmes related to individuals or groups with an early or less disabling mental health or behaviour
problem, or their carers (eg occupational health, employment initiatives, self help).
6. Programmes related to individuals or groups with an identified severe mental health or behavioural
problem or a diagnosed mental illness, or their carers.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
These categories were originally devised as a conceptual framework for analysis of effective mental health
promotion in an extensive literature review undertaken by Professor Ray Hodgson and Tina Abbasi and
published by Health Promotion Wales in 1995.1
Presentation of responses
Responses to the questionnaire are presented in each of the six categories. It is important to note that the
survey was not intended to identify every mental health promotion programme in Northern Ireland,
depending as it did on self-selection rather than on a restricted representative sample. It is also important
to note that this information will be updated in the future.
Not all responses received have been included in this edition, either because of missing information,
because some have not yet started or because the implications for mental health promotion were not made
clear. Several responses indicated more than one category. However one category only was allocated to each
project for the purpose of providing exemplars. A few projects did not indicate any category, and were
therefore placed in a category based on the information provided. Contacts have been identified in each
case for further information.
The descriptions of the projects included in this database are those of the survey respondents. This
database has been compiled by the Health Promotion Agency and the inclusion of projects does not signify
their endorsement by the Agency. While every effort has been made to ensure that this information is
accurate no responsibility (legal or otherwise) is accepted by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern
Ireland for any errors, omissions or otherwise.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Objectives The foundation has two offices (Northern Ireland and the Republic
of Ireland) whose role it is to attend to quality in the promotion,
establishment, development and evaluation of Lifestart projects. They
do this by offering opportunities for training and networking;
creating and helping implement policies, guidelines and procedures,
lobbying Government to recognise and resource education from birth,
home as a centre of learning, parents as primary educators; on-site
consultation and advice.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Project name The Greater Twinbrook and Poleglass Community Health Forum
Brief description of project The Community Health Forum for the Greater Twinbrook and
Poleglass Area on the outskirts of West Belfast, has been in existence
since October 1995. It is a sub-forum of the Greater Twinbrook and
Poleglass Community Forum.
Actual • The statutory and voluntary sectors are working together to try to
meet local need (as highlighted by the Community Health Forum).
• Trusts are working to produce more uniform ways of collating
patient information.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project To support and nurture the development of new women’s
groups/centres in the Northwest – largely Londonderry and Strabane.
To pay attention to marginalised groups, eg women from ethnic
minorities; Travellers; under representation of women from Unionist
tradition.
To network and facilitate training and information needs.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project A centre for young people to drop in for information, advice or
support. Based in local college.
Outcomes: Actual • Approximately half of the young people attending just want
someone to talk to.
• A quarter want advice or information.
• A quarter are referred to other agencies, ie GP or mental
health team.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This conference was organised by the Mental Health Voluntary
Group – a sub group of the Newry and Mourne Health Forum to
mark World Mental Health Day. The theme of rural mental health
had been identified as an area of special interest by the Mental Health
Working Group.
Objectives • To raise awareness of the public and of the relevant voluntary and
statutory agencies to the particular mental health needs that arise
for people who live in rural settings.
• To look at ways our rural mental health needs can be measured as
an initial step in the development of a strategic plan to effectively
address local needs in local ways.
Outcomes: Planned • Awareness of rural mental health has been raised via media coverage
and delegates at the conference.
Actual • The Mental Health Working Group is currently investigating
methods that could be used to measure local rural mental
health needs.
Brief description of project Provision of information and advice services on issues of student
financial support. Money management and debt counselling resources
to students facing financial hardship.
Objectives As above
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Aisling is the Irish word for dream or vision and here at the Centre
we have a vision for a more holistic and peaceful way of life for each
person, family unit and community.
We strive to bring emotional and mental health issues into the public
arena by providing a range of services in a non-stigmatising way. This
is achieved through having a bustling coffee shop as part of our
business. It provides and symbolises a sense of welcome and
hospitality to all who visit us no matter what the presenting situation.
Outcomes: Actual Demand for our services is constantly growing. In the past year:
• 750 people have come for counselling.
• 500 people have taken part in our personal development
programmes.
• 250 people have used our adult career guidance service.
• 27 children have used the crèche facility on an on-going basis.
• Approximately 500 people use the coffee shop each week.
• We have just completed a £340,000 extension to provide extra
counselling rooms and make premises accessible to disabled people.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Parents Advice Centre offers support, guidance and counselling to
individual family members.
Contact can be made by telephone, drop-in or by appointment.
There are four centres: Belfast, Londonderry, Dungannon and
Ballymena. The service is operated by trained volunteers and
celebrates 20 years of helping families in 1999. The service is free to
users and confidential.
Objectives • To enable parents to look at their choices when faced with a difficulty.
• To improve callers’ self-esteem.
• To help callers recognise their skills and strengths.
• To improve relationships within families.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Kilcooley Youth Health Project was set up to assess the health of
young people in Kilcooley. Its aim is to find out what the primary
needs are perceived to be and begin to implement programme/s to
address the issues.
Objectives As above.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Actual More local people involved in education and training but need more
support to continue. Too few with confidence to bring forward new
projects. Improved services, eg new advice worker and advocacy
worker for welfare rights, housing and employment.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project • The Association provides an Epilepsy Helpline available to both the
public and professionals working in the field of epilepsy.
• Literature for young people.
• A range of videos.
• Support groups in different areas in Northern Ireland.
• Specialist Epilepsy Nurses – providing support to people with
epilepsy and families in the community.
• Research – educational.
• Free professional advice to include people with mental health
problems.
Objectives Improve the quality of life and promote the interests of people
with epilepsy.
Outcomes: Planned Epilepsy is one of the most significantly stigmatised health conditions
and we work continually to reduce this.
We are interested in the issues of homelessness/mental health/epilepsy.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland was set up
under the Sex Discrimination Order (NI) 1976 to promote and protect
the rights of women and men and to eliminate sex discrimination.
Issues like pregnancy and maternity, low pay, the ‘glass ceiling’,
unemployment and the difficulties of balancing home and work
responsibilities need to be tackled. These areas often create stress,
which can lead to mental ill-health.
Objectives As above.
Brief description of project A group of staff in Community Paediatrics in South and East Belfast
Health and Social Services Trust are in the process of setting up a
pilot study where we plan to have ‘drop in’ sessions in secondary
schools. A school nurse and Clinical Medical Officer will staff this.
The aim is to be available for young people for consultation on health
issues – physical, mental and emotional.
Objectives To provide an easily accessible clinic within the school setting where
advice can be sought on health issues.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This course is aimed at staff who are undergoing some sort of
development, ie promotion, change of category, mobility.
Outcomes: Planned Staff who understand pressure and their reaction to it can alter their
behaviour or at least learn to manage themselves better and guard
against a great deal of stress.
Brief description of project Research project undertaken in four communities in inner city
Belfast, where a participatory process was used to involve local
residents in defining their own views of the factors which influence
their health. The project is now in an implementation phase, where
work is ongoing to develop responses to the issues raised by various
age groups and by both men and women in each areas.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Chinese Health Project is a community development project,
which is a partnership between Barnardos and the Chinese Welfare
Association. It employs three bilingual Chinese lay health workers in
the Greater Belfast and Craigavon areas.
The project’s aim is to identify the health needs of the Chinese and
Vietnamese communities and to provide culturally specific health
initiatives.
The workers’ role includes casework with individual families which
involves advocacy, support, liaison with health professionals including
interpreting, skills sharing, and health promotion.
The workers also facilitate two women’s groups ‘Oi-Kwan’ with 80
members in Belfast and ‘Oi-Wah’ with 37 members in Craigavon.
These groups not only decrease social isolation but also provide
opportunities to celebrate cultural identity. The women’s group
programme also provides training and education opportunities from
English classes, computer training to childcare and general health
issues.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Workshops (2 hours duration) have been offered to all staff since 1994.
Workshops include identifying sources of stress and developing
coping mechanisms.
Practical relaxation is part of the workshop(s).
Objectives To enable staff to identify stress and choose suitable coping strategies.
A women’s, men’s, family and staff health day(s) have been organised
in the hospital. Information and practical sessions, eg massage and
relaxation have been available.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project A dedicated telephone line is available to all staff at the Royal Group
of Hospitals Trust (RGHT) for staff to discuss in confidence
information about stress and other psychological difficulties and
advice on how to deal with these difficulties. Counselling is also
provided and information about additional sources of help if relevant.
An answering facility is available for night staff.
Outcomes: Planned Problems may be identified early, thus avoiding if possible mental
health problems.
Brief description of project The organisation was created for the relief of persons suffering from
alcohol, solvents or drug dependency. it is committed to the
advancement of education and the protection of health and in
particular to providing counselling for people who are concerned
about chemical dependency. It also provides education and training
on substance misuse.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project To provide mastectomy patients with the opportunity to view and
purchase specially designed bras and swimwear.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This service provides information, support and counselling to cancer
patients and their families who attend the Cancer Treatment Centre
at Belfast City Hospital. It aims to help them cope with a diagnosis of
cancer and its subsequent treatment and rehabilitation. Two Ulster
Cancer Foundation Care Nurses who are experienced counsellors and
have an extensive resource of information on all aspects of cancer are
available Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm. They are able to
communicate sensitively and effectively with cancer patients and their
families and respond appropriately to their needs.
Outcomes: Planned To provide a service that enables patients, their families and carers to
cope more effectively with a diagnosis of cancer and its treatment.
Actual In a one-year period a total of 2,500 contacts have been made with
cancer patients and relatives. Initial responses to this new service
indicate that contact with the care nurses is much appreciated and the
various forms of support do help. An evaluation and audit is currently
being prepared.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Ulster Cancer Foundation’s Freefone – 0800 7833339 ‘Cancer
Care on Call’ provides a 9.00am – 5.00pm service, where the
Helpline is staffed by specially trained Cancer Information Nurse
Counsellors. The telephone service is there for patients, relatives and
friends living with cancer, as well as for the general public, health
professionals and anyone with any concerns about cancer.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This is a service linking a woman who has had breast cancer to
another woman who has had a similar experience. The Volunteer
Befrienders are at least two years post-diagnosis and treatment and are
well adjusted both emotionally and psychologically. They are carefully
selected and trained by the Ulster Cancer Foundation. They offer
their time and attention listening to concerns in a friendly and
approachable manner. Volunteer Befreinders offer practical
information and emotional support but do not give medical advice.
Brief description of project Meetings of the following Cancer Support Groups are arranged on a
regular basis throughout Northern Ireland. Breast, Laryngectomee,
Lymphoma, Ovarian, N.I. Urostomy and N.I. Colostomy. Each
support group meets approximately five times a year, facilitated by
Cancer Information Nurse Counsellors.
Input from each group is invaluable in identifying their needs. Guest
speakers for the support group meetings range from Aromatherapists
to Consultant surgeons.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Address North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust
Everton Complex
585/587 Crumlin Road
Belfast
BT14 7GB
Brief description of project ‘Change of Mind’ is an interagency Mental Health Promotion Group
established by North and West Belfast Health and Social Services
Trust in 1991.
The group consists of representatives from the Trust’s mental health
services, voluntary agencies and users and carers. The Group has
developed a number of links with local organisations and schools to
promote awareness of the nature of psychological illness
Outcomes: Actual Involvement in local festivals, input to local schools, booklet re:
Community Care for use by teachers, suicide strategy, radio and TV
coverage, drama group, poetry and story-telling afternoon.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Project name The Western Health and Social Services Board Strategy for the
Prevention of Suicide
Brief description of project Suicide currently accounts for approximately 1% of deaths annually
and rates among young men have risen by 75% since 1982 (DOH
1993). In Britain each week approximately 84 people commit suicide
(Eldrid 1988). Here in Northern Ireland there is growing public and
professional concern about the increasing patterns of suicide among
our young people. In Northern Ireland a recent qualitative research
study (Foster et al 1997) found that 90% of completed suicides had a
diagnosable mental illness.
It was within these contexts that a conference was hosted in 1993 by
the then Area Mental Health Unit and City of Derry councillors to
develop a strategy for the prevention of suicide in the Western Health
and Social Services Board (WHSSB). As suicide is a multi-
dimensional malaise (Shneidman 1985) a multi-agency steering group
was also formed. The strategy consists of four key elements:
1. Education – the co-ordination of campaign days such as the
annual Defeat Depression and World Mental Health Days
empower the public about mental health and how to access
services. All staff working with potentially suicidal clients require
training in Suicide Risk Assessment (DHSS 1994). We have
developed a training programme for staff in conjunction with the
Western Area In-service Consortium. The training is provided to
statutory and voluntary service providers.
2. Environment – the strategy stresses the necessity to remove, reduce
or make less accessible the means of suicide.
3. Media – research has produced evidence that front page and
sensationalistic reporting of a suicide can encourage copy cat
deaths (Schmidthe and Hafner 1988). In January 1998, the
Steering group and members of the National Union of Journalists
produced ‘Preventing Suicide, Working Together,’ a guide for the
media to ensure effective and responsible reporting of suicides.
4. Research – currently we have established a sub group consisting of
members from statutory and voluntary agencies and we are
collating information on suicide and deliberate self-harm. This
information will be disseminated to relevant organisations in the
Western Board area.
Objectives As above
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project We offer a wide range of programmes across all age groups. Those
more closely linked to mental health include:
• ‘Youth in Government’ – political awareness, world citizenship,
social skills, healthy living, peer support.
• Schools Programme – drugs, anti-bullying, self-esteem.
• Day Care – crèche, playgroup and after school facilities.
• Counselling Service – one to one counselling, stress workshops,
counsellor training.
• As a Christian organisation we seek also to care for people’s
spiritual wellbeing.
Objectives As above
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The project offers services to adults, young people and children, who
are experiencing emotional, mental and/or behavioural difficulties.
The project offers help to people of the local area of Brownlow and
the greater Craigavon area. We see ourselves as a preventative mental
health project, though many people who have, or have had, contact
with other services, including psychiatric services, use the project. We
are based in a house in a mixed estate, and aim to be easily accessible
– no formal referral is required (though we do accept these also). We
offer one to one counselling/therapy, with a particular emphasis on
using creative therapies as appropriate, eg art therapy. We also offer
groups for mutual aid and to learn self-help methods.
Outcomes: Actual Many adults, young people, children (and whole families too) have
benefited from the services of Stepping Stone. Many people
(especially adults) have come off medication and/or avoided
hospitalisation. People have reported a greater ability to cope, or to go
back to employment or education, and in the case of children/ young
people, to avail better of school and leisure interests. Many people of
all ages have reported improved relationships.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Address Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Brief description of project The Institute for Counselling and Personal Development, (ICPD),
was established in 1985 in response to a demand for an independent,
professional body working in the fields of Counselling/Psychotherapy,
training and research. At present ICPD provides a cross-community
rapid response professional counselling service, which is free of charge
and accessible to all ages with mental health difficulties. Referrals are
received from both voluntary and statutory bodies and increasingly
self-referral. The Counselling Division of the Institute is a generic
service, which deals with a wide range of issues from depression to
anxiety, abuse (sexual, emotional, physical, neglect), to post-traumatic
stress, bullying and bereavement.
Research, mainly in the fields of ageing and learning disability plays
an important part in the work of the Institute, identifying areas of
need in the community.
ICPD also design and facilitate community training initiatives and
run a series of workshops for professionals and carers of those with
profound and multiple disabilities.
‘The Competent Helper’ programme is a cross community course for
victims of violence working (or wishing to work) in their community.
The course places emphasis on personal development and self-
resolution whilst incorporating training in basic counselling, listening,
advice and information skills.
Objectives The primary aim of the Institute for Counselling is ‘To empower
people to reach their full human potential, and to also advance peace,
reconciliation and social justice throughout the province’. Our
objectives to meet this aim are:
• To provide a free, professional counselling service for those in the
community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
• To provide a safe environment to enable clients to explore any issues
that are adversely affecting their lives.
• To work in conjunction with statutory and voluntary bodies to
regulate professional standards and practice in counselling in
Northern Ireland.
• To provide support and supervision for statutory and voluntary
agencies to ensure ethical practices within their organisations.
• To offer training through seminars and workshops to ensure quality
standards in staff development.
• To establish in partnership with the University of Ulster a Masters
Degree in Counselling Psychology accredited by the Psychological
Society of Ireland.
• To offer a training programme which provides counselling advocacy
and advice-giving skills to community groups working with
survivors of violence. A programme which is cross-community in
approach, association and delivery.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Objectives To enable participants to identify and deal with their own stress
responses.
Brief description of project Cruse provides support, through one to one counselling, supportive
listening and group work, to people bereaved by the death of
someone close to them. Information and education on bereavement
issues are also provided.
Outcomes: Planned That bereaved people emerge from their grief with a renewed sense of
purpose for their life.
34
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Brief description of project District councils in Northern Ireland are working with the Health
and Safety Agency to host a seminar in the workplace during the first
week in May 1999. This seminar is aimed at managers in all business
sectors.
Outcomes: Planned That managers actually return to their workplace and identify
whether stress is a problem and if so, use some of the techniques put
forward to alleviate the problem.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Address South & East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust (SEBT)
Belvoir Clinic
6a Drumart Square
Belfast
BT8 4EY
Evaluation Each Activate programme is evaluated by the Tutor and the results
used to adapt future programmes.
For further details about the Activate Health Programme contact Frank Kelly at the Health Promotion
Agency for Northern Ireland. Tel: 01232 311611.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project People who have mental health problems are a growing part of
Belfast’s homeless population. Recent research ‘Don’t look away’
indicated that around 40% of single homeless people in Belfast have a
mental health problem. The Homeless Support Team was set up to
work alongside statutory and voluntary agencies to reach homeless
people with mental health problems.
Objectives The Homeless Support Team aims to increase the quality and
accessibility of services to homeless people with mental health
problems through networking, advice, training and advocacy.
Its objectives are:
• to provide professional intervention to engage homeless people who
have little or no contact with mental health services.
• to provide social care and support to homeless people with mental
health problems.
• to extend channels of communication between statutory and
voluntary agencies.
• to improve access to services
• to provide appropriate training and education.
• to identify and evaluate gaps in services.
37
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project A training course targeting health care professionals, workplace
employees, school teachers.
Aims to increase understanding of stress and stress management.
Objectives To identify the causes, recognise the signs and symptoms of stress and
to outline effective stress management strategies.
Outcomes: Planned Target group should be enabled to develop effective coping strategies
for dealing with stress.
38
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The project was designed by the Youth Department of Western
Education and Library Board and the Health Promotion Department,
Westcare Business Services. The Award has the following core
elements and themes:
• the policies which the youth club has, ie units’ aims and objectives,
away from home and safe, smoking/alcohol, illegal drugs, child
protection etc.
• the themes or programmes should include personal relationships,
misuse of drugs, nutrition, sport and recreation, widening horizons,
community relations and environmental awareness. Each youth unit
submits a portfolio of evidence relating to the core themes and
elements. Awards are presented at gold, silver and bronze levels. The
Awards run from January 1999 - December 1999.
Outcomes: Planned • To reach as many youth units as possible in the Western Health
and Social Services Board area.
Actual • This will be assessed by the success of the 1999 award and the level
of interest shown by the youth units.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The award is run on a yearly basis. It is a unique alliance between the
education, health and environmental health Boards/Departments in
the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) area. Schools
submit an application form which highlights their health promotion
activities under the categories – care of and safety in the environment,
nutrition and dental health, hygiene, safety, substances use, exercise,
personal safety, relationships, sex education, the curriculum and co-
ordination.
40
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Short training course targeting youth leaders. Aims to equip youth
leaders with the knowledge and skills to train young people in
acquiring assertiveness skills.
Outcomes: Actual Youth leaders are enabled to help young people acquire
assertiveness skills.
Outcomes: Actual Peer educators work with groups of young people helping them to
cope with stress in their lives.
41
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Brief description of project The aim of the project is to establish active mental health promotion
groups or forums in Health and Social Services Trusts in the area.
Objectives • The groups work to actively promote mental health within this
setting. This includes identifying and assessing need and planning
activities and projects to meet the needs.
• The groups are multi-disciplinary and address the needs of staff,
patients, clients and visitors to Trust premises.
• The group also participates in mental health promotion campaigns,
eg World Mental Health Day, National No Depression Day.
Outcomes: Actual Mental health promotion is given a high profile within Trusts and
actively involves a number of disciplines thus ensuring effective action
at a range of levels.
Brief description of project Training course aiming to provide participants with the necessary
knowledge and skills to run stress management workshops for staff in
Trusts.
Outcomes: Actual Trust staff acquire the necessary skills to enable them to continue to
contribute to reducing staff stress within the working setting.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Address Northlands
13 Pump Street
Londonderry
BT48 6JA
Brief description of project District Councils can serve notices on the owners of dwellings where
conditions are compromising the health and safety of occupants. It is
the privately rented sector which suffers proportionately more
disrepair and unfitness than other sectors. District Councils can also
act to protect people’s rights in relation to harassment and unlawful
eviction. The physical as well as the mental health benefits associated
with the protection of people’s health, safety and welfare in their
homes is self-evident, however many people are unaware of these local
government services.
Objectives As above.
44
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project An inter agency approach to dealing with neighbourhood disputes
and antisocial behaviour. This involves nuisance from pets,
vandalism and litter, harassment, parking, drinking and drug taking
in NIHE properties. The agencies involved include the RUC,
NIHE, NITAB and the local authority and it identifies who has
authority to take disciplinary action and what action (whether
formal or informal) can be taken to improve the problems identified.
Outcomes: Planned This is a pilot scheme in Belfast and it is too early to determine its
success however, it is running in Ballymena and Castlereagh
Borough Councils and appears to be successful.
Brief description of project The project seeks to work with communities to develop Local
Agenda 21 Action Plans. Plans look at social, economic and
environmental issues and encourage wide participation in creating a
better future. We work with communities right across the province,
both in urban and rural settings. We use innovative community
development techniques eg Planning for real, participatory appraisal,
visioning to develop our work in an effective manner.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This seminar was developed and implemented in response to a
request by an outside agency for training for their staff. It has
subsequently been used in a variety of situations, both within and
without the Trust.
The seminar allows time to look at:
– stress – what it is, what causes it, how it affects us;
– coping strategies;
– practical relaxation.
Brief description of project Stress Management and relaxation sessions were held in the
dermatology ward. These looked at:
– how stress effects the body;
– causes of stress;
– ways of relieving stress;
– introduction to relaxation techniques.
Objectives – To raise awareness of the link between stress and skin conditions.
– To enable patients to recognise stress within themselves.
– To make patients aware of ways of reducing stress.
Outcomes: Actual Patients found sessions extremely helpful in coping with stress.
46
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Project name ITO Mental Health Initiatives – Mental Health in the Workplace:
Training & Awareness project
Address ITO
The Tughan Centre
Mourne House
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Brief description of project This strand of ITO’s work aims to raise awareness of issues relating to
mental health in the workplace. The initiative is a development from
the organisation’s work during 1995-1997 when ITO, through the
ACCEPT project, worked in conjunction with the Northern Ireland
Association for Mental Health and organised a series of ‘Good Mental
Health Makes Good Business Sense’ seminars, aimed at the top 600
employers in Northern Ireland. This awareness ‘roadshow’ was
accompanied by an Employer’s handbook. ITO has since developed a
comprehensive range of training courses, which seeks to highlight all
aspects of mental health. The training sessions (which last from 1
hour to 3 days) include:
Outcomes: Planned Several of the courses are at present being piloted within various
settings and it is anticipated that all the above training courses will be
available by June 1999.
Actual Organisations which ITO has already provided mental health
awareness training to include MUST Hostel for Homeless People in
South Tyrone, Social Security staff, FOLD Housing Association,
Disability Action, Carlisle House Addiction Unit, Thompson House
Hostel.
Monitoring of participants on the courses and feedback from service
users indicate that the courses presently being developed meet the
needs of a range of voluntary, public and private sector organisations.
47
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Craigavon Health Information Project (CHIP) is a community
development and health project based on a partnership of local
statutory, community and voluntary agencies concerned with health.
The project has been in operation since July 1997 and is piloting a
bottom up approach to health promotion which is dependent on the
active participation of individuals and communities.
Outcomes: Planned The project is currently working towards achieving the above
objectives evidenced by projects outlined above. At present the project
has 11 community health volunteers who have undertaken a range of
activities.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project This is a course designed by the Trust to help management and staff
improve their understanding of stress in the workplace. It suggests
ways of recognising when pressure is beginning to impact on work
performance and how to manage this.
Outcomes: Planned The course has benefited participants in identifying personal stressors
and stress-related behaviour in others. Exploring a variety of
relaxation techniques and alternative therapies have also been
identified as a positive result from the course.
Brief description of project This is a course designed for Healthcare and PAM (professions allied
to medicine) Assistants. A large section of the course looks at stress as
an individual issue but other related areas – smoking, alcohol
consumption and exercise/physical activity are also addressed.
49
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Age Concern is a national voluntary organisation committed, through
campaigning and service provision to promoting the rights of older
people as active, involved and equal citizens. Much of the work relates
to combating social isolation.
Outcomes: Planned Direct Social Care – including residential, day care, social centres,
advice and information, home care.
Community Development – including 29 Age Concern local groups
Ageing Well Schemes, capacity building projects, ‘user’ panels, Better
Government for older people initiatives.
Campaigning – including social policy analysis, International Year of
Older Persons, 1999, Millennium Debate of the Age, etc.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The project was based on a series of workshops delivered over a six
month period for Trust staff. The programme offered opportunities to
define stress, recognise the signs and symptoms, identify the causes of
workplace stress and strategies to minimise the stress. Feedback was
given to senior managers with recommendations for changes to
reduce organisational stress.
51
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project ‘Youth Matters’ is a general counselling service for teenagers to
provide confidential support and advice on a range of issues
including relationships, family problems, sexual health, drug and
alcohol issues. The clinic is open one afternoon per week and has a
regular, increasing attendance rate, mostly girls age 15+.
Objectives ‘Youth Matters’ aims to be young people centred and seeks to ensure
young people have the means of expressing their feelings, thoughts
and needs relating to health issues and concerns is a safe and
confidential environment. It recognises that this responsibility not
only involves education but also listening to young people and what
they have to say and contribute.
52
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project To provide a Workplace Mental Health Policy aimed at offering social
support, strong social networks, a sense of integration and social
inclusion at work. The Policy is employee focused and includes
problem solving training, interventions to reduce stress, staff support
mechanisms, all based on a holistic concept of health.
53
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Church based charitable trust which aims to improve the well being
of the community in the Enniskillen district through the delivery of a
range of community care services.
Outcomes: Planned More than 600 employed since 1990 – 50% placed in jobs.
Approximately 100 calls per week.
230 meals served per week.
4 sessions per week.
More than 12 per week.
Actual Up to 80 attending per week.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Our project aims to help parents, adults, adolescents and children
work through issues in their lives to enable them to make better
choices and live less stressful lives. We operate the following
programmes to enable them to do this:
Objectives The overall aim and objectives are to provide a safe and confidential
environment where people of all ages can find the peace, trust and
support to look at issues in their lives with a view to making better
and more informed choices about their lifestyle.
Outcomes: Planned That people will change their behaviour, be that addictive or
otherwise but with the safety of the environment offered they can
deal with such stressful issues as abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic
violence, or whatever form of problem with which they are struggling
to heal the root cause.
55
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Project name Mental Well Being At Work in The Northern Ireland Civil Service
(NICS)
Brief description of project A 5 point action plan to promote mental wellbeing and prevent
mental ill health among employees of the Northern Ireland Civil
Service (NICS:
• Mental well-being at work policy.
• Guidance on policy implementation.
• Survey of mental health status and coping skills.
• Seminars and other information exchange.
• Interactive stress training package for groups of employees.
56
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project OUNI is a federation of unemployed centres, community groups and
community organisations generally concerned with unemployment in
Northern Ireland. Concerned with the effect of unemployment and
poverty on families and local communities, it provides a networking
facility in relation to unemployment and believes unemployed people
themselves are in the best position to voice their needs and advocate
solutions to policy makers.
OUNI is the Northern division of the Irish National Organisation of
the unemployed and a member of the European and Northern
Ireland
Anti-Poverty Network and European Network of the Unemployed.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Presently within Green Park Health Care Trust there exists an
Occupational Health Service which aims to promote and maintain
the physical, mental and social wellbeing of staff.
Our primary role is that of an adviser within the Trust for both
management and employees.
Occupational Health staff work closely with all managers within the
Trust and are in liaison especially with the Health & Safety manager,
Health Promotion Co-ordinator and Infection Control Adviser.
The Trust also provides a service where staff can access an external
counselling Network.
Objectives As above.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project ITO Information Service aims to increase awareness of mental health
issues. The unit organises an ongoing media relations campaign and
has a calendar of events aimed at promoting mental health awareness.
In addition, the unit has in stock a variety of publications including:
Mental health information leaflets - these full colour booklets which
are written in jargon-free, accessible language are free (with a small
charge for post and packaging for requests for more than 10 copies).
Information in the leaflets includes definitions of mental ill-health,
causes, treatments and self-help tips. Leaflet titles include:
• Coping with Anxiety and Phobias.
• Coping with Manic Depression.
• Coping with Schizophrenia
• Coping with Stress
• Mental illness - What does it mean?
• Mental illness - A guide to mental health in the workplace.
• Mental illness - Sometimes I think I can’t go on . . . (focuses on
suicide and depression)
• Mental illness - Can children and young people have mental health
problems?
• Women and Mental Health. A new leaflet due to be published in
Spring 1999.
The information Unit also publishes several booklets profiling the
work of ACCEPT Northern Ireland, ACCEPT Europe and ITO, as
well as publications on new approaches to the care of people with
mental ill health including Social Firms in Northern Ireland, Getting
Started. This handbook profiles a new approach for people with
disabilities.
59
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The programme works through partnerships between Habitat for
Humanity Belfast (HFHB), prospective homeowners and volunteers
building or renovating simple, good quality houses together.
Partnership begins with selected families who are required to give a
minimum of 400 hours labour. HFHB provides mortgages to these
low-income families, taking no profit and no interest, payable over
15-20 years. Mortgage payments are reinvested to fund future
construction. HFHB is a volunteer driven organisation dependent on
the time and energy of volunteers on construction site, in the office
and on committees.
Outcomes: Planned Integrated project - our vision for the new millennium is to work
towards an integrated project which will provide opportunities for
Catholics and Protestants to live together in a safe community, free
from fear and intimidation.
60
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Ageing Well Network is a network of groups throughout
Northern Ireland, who are involved in or wish to run health
promotion programmes involving the over 50s.
Groups affiliated to the Ageing Well Network can be voluntary or
community groups or statutory agencies working in partnership with
groups that involve older people in the planning, organisation and
delivery of health projects. Ageing Well is organised in Northern
Ireland by Age Concern is association with the Health Promotion
Agency for Northern Ireland.
61
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project The Rainbow Project is a gay men’s health project. It promotes the
health of gay men in Northern Ireland through the provision of
counselling (one-to-one, couple and group therapies), information
provision, education, advocacy, research, prevention initiatives (HIV
prevention) and social activism.
Objectives To improve the emotional, physical and mental health of gay men
living in, working in or visiting Northern Ireland.
Outcomes: Planned Research on the expressed counselling needs of gay men in Northern
Ireland, and the establishment and implementation of a gay male
specific co-cultural counselling service.
62
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 1
Brief description of project Every employee within South and East Health and Social Services
Trust should be given the opportunity to have a health check every
two year.
The health check comprises of a 30 minute interview with an
Occupational Health Adviser. Selected health related measurements
are recorded, eg height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure,
cholesterol and urinalysis. Lifestyle issues are addressed and
appropriate advice given to enable the employee to make lifestyle
changes.
Actual This clinic was introduced for staff initially as a pilot project for one
year from March 1998.
continuation depended on the following factors:
• Demand for health checks.
• Evaluation of sessions by participants.
• Managers willingness to release staff to attend.
• Initial results have suggested we will continue to provide the service
and in doing so we are developing outcomes as stated above.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Brief description of project A family centre owned and managed by local women providing:
• Pre-school play group for 24 children, after school club for 48
children, Summer, Halloween and Easter schemes for 48 children.
• Adult education classes for one evening per week.
• Gingerbread support group one evening per month.
• Women’s group one morning per week.
• Informal advice and support service.
• Training for local women as identified.
This was previously a Save The Children Fund family centre and has
been community owned and managed for 5 years. Since taking
ownership the group has developed and improved the services for
local people as they have the ability to make changes where needed as
identified by users of the services.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Brief description of project DELTA is a parenting programme aimed at maximising the child’s
potential, through play and stimulation using a holistic educare
approach. The triangular shape of the Greek letter ‘O’ symbolises the
partnership between parent, child and promoter with children from
birth up to and including 5 year olds.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Outcomes: Planned • The increased capacity of a parent to meet the demands of caring
for children under 5; by developing supportive relationships and
decreasing isolation – social, emotional and geographic
66
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Brief description of project NIMBA family support services provide a range of facilities for
families who have experienced the birth of an ill, premature or
disabled baby. A network of support groups are in operation
throughout Northern Ireland which provide activities for parents
covering relevant issues of childcare, parenting skills and social
activities. The groups provide an opportunity for parents to meet
others who have experienced a similar situation. NIMBA also offer a
wide range of practical services for parents and a developing
educational programme for health professionals.
Outcomes: Planned • Provision of support group network and practical services to all
areas of Northern Ireland.
67
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Brief description of project The effects that poverty and social disadvantage have on every part of
life including the motivation to be a ‘good enough parent’ are well
recognised. Bringing up children is one of the most difficult and
stressful aspects of the life cycle. The early years of parenting are vital
and there is much evidence pointing to positive outcomes achieved by
home visiting programmes.
Outcomes: Planned A structured programme which ensures that those parents least able to
seek services for themselves or their children are offered information
and support.
68
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 2
Brief description of project Five consecutive sessions in an informal group setting. The group
caters for any parent or carer who would like to improve their
relationship with their child or children aged 0-7 years.
Two Health Visitors facilitate the group. They do not teach but
support the group to develop their parenting skills.
69
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Project name (BDA) Children’s Holidays, Youth Holidays and Family Weekends
Brief description of project The main aim is to educate people or their families about diabetes
hopefully preventing mental health problems. People are often
depressed about their condition. The British Diabetic Association
(BDA) strongly advocates for psychologists to be attached to diabetes
clinics and are campaigning for this.
The BDA provides holidays for 8-14 year olds and those aged 14+, as
well as annual Family Weekends for the parents and siblings of newly
or recently diagnosed children with diabetes.
Objectives To enable, educate and empower children who have diabetes to take
responsibility for their condition and to understand that good care
equates to good outcomes. The Family Weekend provides a
supportive network with lectures on practicalities of diabetes and the
emotional difficulties faced by parents. Parents are encouraged to talk
to each other.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project • Health and Social Awareness Programme coupled with personal
development offered to young people throughout Belfast primarily
through the training organisation network.
• Programme delivered through peer education supported by
professionals from the health and social care and youth and
community backgrounds.
• Centre based activities.
• Community relations programme.
• Individual advice, guidance and advocacy available.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project Working party undertaking focus groups interviews with young
people and parents in order to write a resource pack.
Objectives • To produce a resource pack for health visitors, social workers and
community workers to use with parents.
• To enable parents to have the information, confidence and skills to
raise difficult issues ie smoking, alcohol, drugs, sex.
Brief description of project To offer support to identified children and young people aged 3-23
years who provide within their home a substantial amount of care to a
disabled or ill relative. This support can come in many forms; i.e. we
can provide someone to talk to, help with transport, information on
certain illness, someone to go into the young carer’s home for a few
hours each week to help look after the cared for person, allowing the
young person a well-earned break, and we provide monthly outings
and activities whereby the young carers get the opportunity to relax
and enjoy themselves and meet up with people in similar
circumstances.
Objective To identify and offer support to young carers within our area.
72
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project The Inner East Youth Project is an inter-agency partnership, which
works with young people aged between 14-25 in the Inner East
Belfast Area who do not attend traditional Youth Provision.
The projects themes are:
• Information.
• Participation.
• Representation.
• Achievement.
• Empowerment.
73
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project This is an early intervention service to prevent emotional and
behavioural problems in children becoming consolidated. It is not an
alternative to child or adolescent psychiatry, but provides an early or
intermediate service for families who can benefit at this early stage.
Self-referrals and referrals from social workers, teaching staff, health
professionals, family doctors are accepted.
The work takes the form of psychological intervention in the family.
This involves helping parents change their reaction to the child and
the child’s reaction to the parents. Parents are taught to use a positive
approach and given confidence and support to carry this out.
Objectives • Parents are encouraged to take control and gradually give that
control back to an increasingly capable adolescent. Often dynamics
within a family require changing.
• Such strategies are powerful and require much preparation and
planning.
• Parents are thus helped to recognise their role in resolving family
problems.
Outcomes: Planned • It is hoped that much time, effort and expense can be saved and
healthy autonomy of the family unit be restored quickly, where
problems exist.
74
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project • Multi-faceted, community based programme for young high risk
offenders:
• Cognitive base.
• Parent support (in partnership with Barnardos).
• Creative learning (self-expression).
• Adventure learning (self-development).
• Restorative justice.
Outcomes: Planned • Young people complete the programme, cease or decrease offending
behaviour and realise their full potential.
75
Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Brief description of project The Wise Up Project was initiated by Contact Youth, to recruit and
train volunteers to deliver its information services in the form of
helpline and shopfront. The project provides access to counselling and
crisis intervention. It is also a peer led project, ages 16-25 years.
Outcomes: Planned • To train volunteers to a level where they can effectively deliver the
services of the project.
Actual • This being the end of the second year we have successfully trained
volunteers to deal with crisis situations and to deliver the services
outlined above competently.
Brief description of project Children in Need is an independent charitable funder. It aims to help
disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under.
One of the definitions of disadvantage we apply relates to the mental
and emotional wellbeing of children.
Outcomes: Actual Fund a number of projects in the broad mental health field.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
CATEGORY 3
Address Cara-Friend
@ P.O. Box 44
Belfast
BT1 2FT
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Brief description of project Option C is a Contact Youth pilot project funded by DENI through
EU SS PPR. The service has been implemented in 5 schools in the
Belfast area.
Option C has 2 qualified counsellors and a Liaison Officer. The
Liaison Officer works directly with the school staff and promotes the
service with the young people. Counsellors have limited contact with
the school staff (this protects the relationship between the young
person and counsellor, as the counsellor is not seen as part of the
school system). Each school has 4 counselling sessions per week.
Young people can either be referred through a member of staff or self-
refer during break/lunch times. The counselling is generalistic.
Feedback given to the school is of a statistical nature. Counsellors
receive regular managerial and clinical supervision.
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Brief description of project The organisation began 20 months ago as a branch of First Key in
England. We are now constituting as an independent organisation in
Northern Ireland. Our primary aim is to improve the life chances of
young people leaving care in Northern Ireland. We undertake a range
of activities towards this end including: training (not available in the
mainstream), facilitating interagency forum, research publications,
conferences, advice and social policy work. We also undertake a
number of specific projects eg creating agreed standards for young
people leaving care, an action research project with the Voice of
Young People In Care into the educational disadvantage experienced
by care leavers.
Objectives First Key exists significantly improve the life chances of young people
leaving care, a central principle underpinning this aim is the active
meaningful participation of young people in our work.
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Brief description of project The Gap Project is a new initiative, piloted in the
Newtownabbey/Carrickfergus area, which caters to a total of 10
young people, in their final year of compulsory schooling, whose
education has completely broken down as a result of attendance and
behavioural problems including truancy, expulsion and school phobia.
The primary aim is to provide inclusive development and learning
opportunities and reduce disaffection.
Weekly structure:
• 2 days further education college – basic curricular areas and
vocational training.
• 2 days extended work experience undertaken in local community.
• 1 day personal and social development – training in social and life
skills, structured leisure activities.
The course commenced September 1998 and is due to run until the
end of the academic year – June 1999.
Objectives • To help young people achieve broadly based and relevant training
which leads to an approved qualification.
• To enable young people to increase self-esteem and develop their
full potential.
• To support young people in exploring career options and help equip
them for the realities of a working environment.
• To achieve progression into further education, training and/or
employment.
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Mental Health Promotion in Northern Ireland
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Project name Development of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Child and Adolescent Mental
Health Services within Primary Care
Brief description of project Down Lisburn Trust currently provides Tier 3 services through a
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Multi-Disciplinary Team.
The trust is developing the capacity of Health Visitors and school
nurses in primary care (Tier 1), supplied by other primary care
professional staff with specialist qualifications (Tier 2). They respond
to the needs of those children identified by General Practitioners and
other primary care professionals for early assessment and intervention.
Those professionals working at Tier 1 and Tier 2 by providing a more
rapid and responsive service also generate a greater efficiency by
filtering referrals from primary care to the Tier 3 Specialist Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Team.
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Brief description of project Contact Youth provides one-to-one youth counselling to young
people under the age of 26 years. This is a free and confidential
service provided by a team of fully trained and supervised counsellors
working on a voluntary basis. The counselling is general in nature,
covering all relevant youth issues (ie eating disorders, bullying,
substance misuse, relationships, family conflict etc). Youthline is our
telephone helpline service which extends counselling throughout the
province.
Outcomes: Planned Review of Youthline will incorporate young people being trained to
service the helpline.
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Brief description of project A post was piloted and established with funding from the Eastern
Health and Social Services Board. It was recognised that the
information available in many referral letters, particularly from GPs
was sparse and often did not represent the true picture. Also, because
the service has to operate a waiting list, there was a need for someone
to keep in touch with clients, to be aware of reasons for change in
priority etc. This post was established to assist referrals in the 13-18
year old age group.
Outcomes: Actual • Successful consumer research project carried out after six months
came back with largely positive comments.
• Detailed report was presented to the Eastern Health and Social
Services Board, resulting in permanent funding being granted.
• Recognised that further such posts would be valuable within Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• A report is being presented to DHSS on 12 January 1999 in which
this recommendation is made by the NI Section of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists.
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Brief description of project A seven week parenting programme (with two optional sessions)
aimed at parents of 10-13 year old children. The course includes:
– communications skills;
– sexuality/body changes;
– drug awareness;
– bullying;
– body image/self-esteem;
– problem solving.
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Brief description of project VOTE. is a pilot project funded for two years through the E.U.
Youthstart initiative with local funding provided by the Ulster
Community and Hospitals Trust and Craigavon and Banbridge
Community HSS Trust. There are four projects working within the
VOTE Consortium which comprises the two Trusts, Industrial
Therapy Organisation (ITO), Mencap and The Northern Ireland
Council on Disability together with local project partners. The target
group is people aged 16-25 years.
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Project name West Belfast Task Group on Suicide and Young People
Address North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust
Crumlin Road Health Centre
130-132 Crumlin Road
Belfast
BT14 6AR
Brief description of project The Task Group is a multi-agency group comprising of community
representatives, voluntary organisations, health and social care
professionals and school and youth services. The aim of the project is
to develop a locally sensitive strategy for suicide prevention.
Objectives To collect all available information from both official and community
sources to provide a fuller picture of the extent of the problem.
To develop a programme to increase awareness of the mental health
needs of young people and co-ordinate its delivery through schools,
youth projects, youth training schemes, parents’ groups and
appropriate community organisations.
To explore opportunities to extend ësafe place’ facilities where young
people may meet and access guidance and support.
To promote the availability and access to support services for young
people and their families, including support for the bereaved.
To identify resources required to ensure the effectiveness of this
strategy.
Outcomes: Planned To develop a strategy which will include health promotion, support
and training for adults who work with young people who may be at
risk and recommendations for service provision based on local
research.
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Brief description of project The Behaviour Support Team was established during the autumn of
1998. It is a six member team representing three Belfast Education
and Library Board services, Curriculum Advice and Support,
Education Welfare and Educational Psychology. The broad aim of the
team is to promote and sustain good behaviour in schools and many
of its objectives and strategies involve the promotion of mental
health among pupils, teachers and parents.
Objectives The objectives of the Behaviour Support Team are to provide advice
and support to teachers and schools to improve their ability to:
• identify and help children with emotional and behavioural
problems;
• promote self-esteem;
• apply anti-bullying policies and strategies;
• diffuse confrontations and teach anger management skills;
• promote parenting skills;
• manage personal stress;
• respond appropriately to traumatic events;
• provide a nurturing environment;
• collaborate effectively with agencies outside education.
Outcomes: Actual The team began work in schools in December 1998 and requests for
support began to grow rapidly in number during January 1999.
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Brief description of project To research the incidence of self-harm patients from South and East
Belfast presenting at two acute hospitals, the available support to
these patients and the outcome of support. The project was identified
as a suicide prevention strategy in partnership with the Samaritans.
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Brief description Oof project The Nexus Institute exists to respond to the needs of adults and
young people who have experienced sexual abuse or who are at risk
from sexual abuse. We provide counselling (professional, individual
and group), high quality training to key individuals, groups and
agencies, and increase awareness of the issue of sexual abuse and its
consequences among adults and young adult survivors, through
research, public awareness and information services.
Outcome: Planned
a) Counselling • Developing relationships which proceed over time and have as their
purpose the psychological change for the better of the clients.
• Development of youth work.
• Development of group work.
• Development of outreach work.
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Brief description of project Community development project aimed at empowering older people
to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
Objective To promote health and wellbeing among older people in the Kilrea
area.
Brief description of project Resource book for older people and those groups working with them,
providing information covering health and wellbeing.
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Brief description of project This group was established to meet a need identified in the Creggan
0-5 Health Survey. There was an extremely high incidence of unmet
mental health needs in the local community. This involved mainly
women and in particular mothers in the postnatal period. There was a
high incidence of anxiety and depression. The group meets weekly on
Thursday mornings, with childcare facilities offered.
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Brief description of project The overall aim of our project is to improve the mental and physical
well being of women in South Armagh, through identification of
unmet need. Our aim is to promote, develop and support
community-based health initiatives/projects with the realisation that
targeting women will positively impact on the community at large.
The project has a special focus on mental and emotional wellbeing
caused by isolation, illness or lack of opportunity in a rural area.
Objectives • Raise awareness and address the health and support needs of women
throughout South Armagh using a community development and
group work approach.
• Facilitate a health needs audit, focusing on mental and physical
wellbeing.
• Support formation of self-help groups.
• Recruit and train a pool of volunteer/lay health workers.
• Provide a community health information service to meet needs of
women facing difficulties accessing traditional sources of health
information.
• Provide outreach facilities.
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Objectives As above.
Brief description of project A telephone listening service for women in Fermanagh. A group of
volunteer women have been trained in active listening skills. They
staff the helpline, in pairs, for one session per fortnight.
Outcomes: Planned To run the service as a pilot for 12 months from June 1998 to June
1999.
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Brief description of project NEWPIN helps parents under stress break the cyclical effect of
destructive family behaviour. Through a network of local centres and
programmes expectant mothers, parents and carers and children are
offered a unique opportunity to achieve positive changes in their lives
and relationships. NEWPIN in Northern Ireland currently has two
centres (one at Rathcoole and one in the Foyle area). It is planned to
develop this network. Programmes on offer include personal
development, family play and parenting as well as group work,
counselling and peer support networks.
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Brief description of project Women who have experienced traumatic life events including sexual,
physical and emotional abuse often present with mental illness, ie
depression, eating disorders, addictive behaviour and anxiety. These
symptoms need to be addressed within the context of the women’s past
and present life using a holistic psychosocial model. A continuum of
services and supports are in place to meet their varied needs.
Outcomes: Planned To improve the mental health of participants and reduce uptake of
medical psychiatric services.
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Brief description of project This project is aimed at elderly patients who come into hospital. For
many, hospital admission can be a stressful time causing anxiety and
fear. Illness and disability can make patients feel restricted, lonely and
depressed and predisposed to low self-esteem. Boredom is another
factor. Patients are referred by their primary nurse and visited soon
after to assess needs (social, psychological) and ascertain interests. A
varied programme is provided including gardening, crafts
reminiscence, cookery and outings. Specific activities include:
SONAS – a programme aimed at confused patients to orientate
people to their surroundings where possible.
ACTIVE HEALTH CLUB – meetings held by health professionals
such as dietician, dentist etc. for the patients to increase knowledge
and encourage empowerment.
THURSDAY FELLOWSHIP – informal reflection meeting,
encouraging spiritual wellbeing and time for discussion and
consultation.
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Brief description of project ‘Steps to Excellence for Personal Success’ is a popular and effective
video-based personal development programme. It is based on the
premise that we all have enormous potential for growth but limit
ourselves by negative beliefs and attitudes.
STEPS is presented by a trained and experienced facilitator using a
highly effective and non-threatening approach. Participants are taken
through a series of 12 video tapes dealing with themes such as
breaking negative thought patterns, improving self-image, motivation
and the importance of goal setting. Central to all other topics is the
principle of raising our self-esteem.
By the end of the programme participants will be aware of the
importance of their own thinking in improving every aspect of their
lives. Equipped with a set of tools to increase the use of their potential,
individuals will be able to make choices and changes for themselves and
become accountable for their own happiness and success.
Outcomes: The experience of working with the STEPS programme in this City
and the North West area has continually proven the positive
effectiveness of the teaching contained therein.
• It helps people move away from limiting thought patterns to self-
knowledge and self-understanding, thereby opening unthought of
possibilities and opportunities for them.
• It encourages self-and-other respect.
• It builds a strong, solid self-confidence, based on good self-esteem,
which, in turn, enhances performance.
• It not only provides the knowledge, but also the tools whereby life
skills and personal growth may be practised in an ongoing way.
• It encourages participants to move from a culture of despair and
dependency to one of power and independence/interdependence.
• It shows the advantages of having a ‘want-to’ approach to life’s
challenges.
• It helps people deal with and manage change.
• It teaches that each one takes responsibility for his/her own life and
accepts accountability for whom he/she is becoming.
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Brief description of project The Mater Hospital Trust runs two, eight-week programmes. Part of
the content includes a session on stress/ stress management and each
session includes physical activity and relaxation.
Anxiety levels are measured at weeks 1 and 8.
Patients are invited back for a 6-month review.
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Brief description of project A seven week course with the above title has been developed as a
response to the identified needs of women using the Well Women
Centre. Using the concepts of stress, assertiveness and related areas, eg
prioritising and goal setting the course gives women the opportunity
to raise their self-awareness. In particular it will help them to take
stock of where they are at present, what their needs are and how they
would like their lives to look in the future. The course is participative
and interactive. The group’s ideas, feelings, views and opinions are
shared through feedback and discussion.
Outcomes: Planned • A checklist of key learning points and coping strategies which the
group have extracted from each week of the course.
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Brief description of project Three 12-hour courses are held each year within the Well Woman
Centre (three hours per week for four weeks). Courses are open to
women of all ages. Talks are also given at support groups –
menopause, osteoporosis and ‘living with cancer’. The Bach Flower
Remedies are a simple, natural and effective system of medicine. They
were developed in the 1930’s by Dr Bach, a noted doctor,
homeopath, bacteriologist and immunologist, who believed that a
healthy mind is the key to recovery from ill-health. Together the 38
remedies can help people manage their emotional wellbeing. The
Bach Flower remedies have been used successfully for over 60 years
throughout the world, by medical and complementary health
practitioners, as well as individuals.
They are simple to use and safe for all the family.
There is no danger of over-dosing and they do not interfere with
other medication which may be needed.
Outcomes: • Each participant will have the knowledge to be able to use the
remedies for themselves and their family.
• Each one will know how to take the remedies and the dosage.
• Remedies can be taken in crisis situations.
• Remedies can help long-term problems.
• Each person will know where to buy the remedies – how much they
cost and where further help is available.
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Brief description of project Eight two hour sessions held in Derry Well Women Centre for
usually three groups per year. Small groups aged 18years+. Groups
have 10-12 members.
Topics include:
• relaxation and creative visualisation;
• self caring;
• positive self-talk;
• present moment living;
• affirmations;
• goal setting;
• causes and effects of stress;
• coping strategies;
• topics of special interest to the group.
Brief description of project This is an outreach service to women who work in prostitution so
that they will experience care, compassion, hospitality, counselling,
psychotherapy and interconnection with agencies offered to individual
women and work with families when requested.
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Brief description of project • Volunteer led service for older people. Befriending people who are
isolated, building a supportive friendship. Shopping trips using
community transport to shopping centres organised on a regular
basis.
• Volunteer opportunities for people who want to befriend and work
on a one to one basis with older/disabled people.
Objectives • Scheme aims to address issue of social isolation and promote social
inclusion and active citizenship by matching volunteers who want
to get involved in the community with individuals who need help.
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Brief description of project Training of all health visitors in the early identification and
management for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression Scale for routine screening.
The importance of early identification and treatment has been
highlighted recently by research on possible long-term effects on the
mother/child relationship, the child’s cognitive development and
behavioural difficulties.
Address Actionville
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Brief description of project The provision of a careline telephone counselling service for people
with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families.
This needs to be developed with more face to face counselling,
including peer counselling.
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Brief description of project The months following the delivery of a baby present women with the
greatest risk of developing mental illness, in particular, depression. If
undetected, postnatal depression can have a serious effect on the
mother’s health, adversely affecting the quality of the mother-child
interaction, and there is increasing evidence of long-term damage to
the emotional behaviour and cognitive development of the children
concerned.
A pilot study in 1992 introduced screening by Health Visitors of all
women, 6-10 weeks post delivery in Armagh and Dungannon Health
and Social Services Trust using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale (EPDS). In 1996, a successful bid was made to the
Management Executive for funding to examine the emotional care
women receive around the time of childbirth. A multi-professional
audit team was formed which had representation from all primary
and secondary professionals involved in the care of women entering
parenthood.
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Brief description of project Six month project within South and East Belfast Health and social
Services Trust area.
Objectives • To establish contact with community groups within the South and
East Belfast area, raising awareness of domestic violence.
• To provide training for anyone working, paid or unpaid, within
community groups.
• To organise three seminars with the South and East Belfast area
bringing together relevant outside agencies to deliver a multi-agency
approach to the problem of domestic violence.
• To co-ordinate days within local communities.
Outcomes: • Made numerous contacts with community leaders and activists and
attended many meetings.
• Set up and delivered awareness training sessions to 36 women’s
groups.
• Organised four seminars.
• Had two successful information days in shopping centres giving out
booklets and leaflets to the local community.
• Produced and delivered a two-day training pack for community
workers.
• This work also produced interest from many other groups, such as
churches, mother and toddler groups, and advice centres, some
requesting talks and more information.
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Project name Health Visiting, Post Natal Depression Screening and Intervention
Project
Address South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust (SEBT)
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast BT8 8BH
Brief description of project The screening and intervention programme began with SEBT in June
1998. The Project endeavoured to introduce the standardised use of
the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) into the Health
Visiting Service within the Trust. The aim is to screen for and identify
postnatal depression and to provide a range of effective primary and
secondary interventions with the co-operation of the Community
Psychiatric Service within the Trust and complement the primary
health care services being provided by General Practitioners in the
Trust’s area.
In order to standardise the service most health visitors (some health
visitors have yet to complete the sessions) within the Trust have
completed four half-day training sessions provided by Cascade
trainers who had received training from Jenny Holden, Lecturer at
Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh.
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Brief description of project The ‘Everybody Hurts Sometimes’ Leaflet was designed as a response
to the lack of information available for people who were admitted to
Altnagelvin Hospital for self-harm.
The agencies listed in the leaflet were selected based on their being
the appropriate agency which offers help for particular stressors. The
stressors were identified by research carried out within the hospital.
The leaflet will be given to each patient on discharge with an
explanation about the appropriate support agency.
Project name Mental and Physical Health Promotion for Elderly Day Care Clients
Brief description of project Every month we plan to include among the therapeutic activities,
several sessions devoted to mental and physical health issues. We will
utilise the skills of our nursing and occupational therapists in these
sessions. We will also avail of the expertise of others such as dieticians,
pharmacologists, counsellors etc.
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Contact name Grace Henry – Development Officer, Health and Social Care.
Objectives As above.
Outcomes: As above.
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Brief description of project Promotion of mental health is an integral part of the work we do as
an organisation and is especially central to the support services
provided to people affected by HIV. HIV is associated with
deterioration in physical health; however, living with HIV or AIDS is
also a risk factor for mental health problems or emotional difficulties.
On top of the stress of coping with the implication of the diagnosis,
protective factors such as employment and income may be lost as an
individual suffers bouts of illness preventing participation in an 9 to 5
working environment. The stigmatising attitudes held by society
towards people living with HIV/AIDS can also impact on an
individual’s sense of integration and social inclusion, leading to
feelings of isolation, discrimination and the loss of a sense of
contribution and belonging to the wider society.
Objectives Support services provided through the AIDS Helpline aim to combat
a sense of isolation and enhance wellbeing, both physical and
emotional. Through a support group, people are able to share
experiences and information, and access mutual support networks.
Complementary therapies aim to enhance a sense of general health,
and one-to-one support seeks to develop emotional wellbeing through
helping people to manage their often stressful circumstances and
build on inner resilience.
Outcomes: As above.
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Address PO Box 44
Belfast
BT1 1SH
Brief description of projects The ‘project’ comprises a confidential befriending and information
service for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, or anyone for whom
homosexuality is an issue of concern, including parents of gay and
lesbian children. We provide this by means of a confidential and non-
directional telephone helpline (as well as a letter service), staffed by
people who are themselves gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Outcomes: Actual Knowing that one has homosexual feelings, either partially or
exclusively, can be a lonely and isolating experience. Unless a person is
able to come to terms with their sexuality, they may face all sorts of
problems, including a lifetime of unhappiness. Fortunately social
attitudes have been changing over the last 30 years, even if slowly, and
gay people now no longer have to live lonely and unhappy lives.
However, for many people it can still be a daunting step to reveal
their sexuality to another person. By providing the means for people
to make contact with others who understand their sexuality, our aim
is to help end the loneliness and isolation of those contacting us. As a
result of the enhanced wellbeing of such people, others, including
their families and friends, and ultimately society as a whole, will
benefit.
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Brief description of project The Leonardo Da Vinci programme offers European funding for
innovative vocational training projects.
• development;
• preparation and preliminary dissemination;
• pilot implementation;
• review and final dissemination;
The duration of the project is two years and will involve 20 trainees
in Belfast.
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Brief description of projects Training of tutors in Activate programmes for those working in the
area of mental health or learning disabilities.
The Activate Health programme has been developed by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern
Ireland and is delivered by trainers and tutors in Health and Social Services Trusts and the community.
For further information contact Frank Kelly at the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland.
Tel. 01232 311611.
Brief description of projects 1. Stress Management – Educational inputs into training course,
advising on the identification and management of work related
stress issues.
2. Post Incident Support – Ongoing support following involvement
in traumatic incidents. Involves education, support and treatment
as required, particularly psychological.
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Address FAIT
Washington House
14-16 High Street
Belfast
BT1 2BB
Brief description of project This project sets out to help empower victims of terrorist violence and
their families to re-enter the work place or simply to find confidence
in themselves to seek employment and become fully integrated into a
working environment.
Outcomes: Planned Helping victims of terrorist violence to start their own business or
seek employment.
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Brief description of project Newry and Mourne Mental Health Forum is a collaborative venture
involving users, carers and mental health service providers along with
other agencies, groups and individuals who have an interest in mental
health and/or responsibility for providing services in the community,
eg housing, education, etc.
The Forum was founded in 1993 in response to the challenges that
‘Care in the Community’ set for people experiencing mental health
problems, their family and friends, other members of the community,
the mental health professionals and other agencies who provide
services for them. The formation of the Forum is also a response to
the fact that people who use mental health services and their carers
have the right and expect to be actively involved, not only in making
decisions about their individual care, but also about the overall nature
of community services.
Outcomes: Actual The Forum has succeeded in establishing four active working groups
plus a Management Executive made up of representatives of each
working group. The Working Groups are as follows:
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Address I.T.O.
Mourne House
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Brief description of project ITO enables people recovering from mental ill-health to rebuild their
lives with a view to taking up a meaningful role within the
community and/or workplace.
ITO provides a holistic socio-vocational/rehabilitation service to
approximately 800 people recovering from mental ill-health per year
through their participation in needs-led programmes co-ordinated
from the following ITO purpose-built Units in Northern Ireland:
• Antrim, Belfast, Bangor, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Londonderry,
Newtownards, Newry, Warrenpoint.
Each ITO Unit helps individuals to improve/maintain their state of
mental health through the provision of tailored personal, social and
economic activities which promote opportunities for independence
and meaningful inclusion in mainstream society.
The range and diversity of opportunities open to people with mental
ill-health within ITO reflects the organisation’s ability to promote
choice, meet needs and advance positive progression.
Given that over 180,000 people in Northern Ireland (ie 1 in 8 of the
population) suffer from a diagnosed mental illness, a comprehensive
approach to the problem requires close interaction between health
care and economic policies. ITO bridges the economic/health care
divide through its collective and established experience as a leading
service provider.
Trainees are afforded opportunities to develop a range of interpersonal
and social skills; avail of accredited vocational training in catering,
woodwork, business, administration/computing and horticulture;
participate in work therapy activities within the Unit and work
experience programmes with employers.
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Positive Promotion of Mental Health through the provision of training/rehabilitation within ITO Units
continued
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Address ITO
Mourne House
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Brief description of project Launched in 1998, ITO Employment Service is a new initiative
which aims to secure and support employment, work experience and
further education opportunities for people recovering from mental ill-
health.
People recovering from mental ill-health are referred to the service via
ITO Training Units, ACCEPT centres or community based job
clinics located across Northern Ireland. ITO Employment Service
users can access seven different work and training options including
voluntary work, further education opportunities and government
schemes which are specially designed to enable people with disabilities
to access work. In addition to sourcing employment and training
opportunities, the organisation’s Employment Service Officers provide
ongoing support both to the individual, as he/she takes steps towards
employment/further education, and to their employer or training
provider. ITO Employment Service also offers organisations ongoing
support and information on promoting positive mental health within
their workplace.
Outcomes: Actual The ITO Employment Service has to date enabled 164 people
recovering from mental ill-health to move into open or supported
employment and further education (statistics relate to period from
January 1998 – December 1998.)
The organisation works with over 140 private, voluntary and public
sector organisations who provide work experience, training and
employment to its service users (all of whom are recovering from
mental ill-health.). During the next financial year ITO Employment
Service aims to help approximately 240 people recovering from
mental ill-health into employment and further education (statistic
relates to period 1 April 1999-31 March 2000.
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Address South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust
17 Wellington Park
Belfast
BT9 6DJ
Brief description of project The following is a brief description of how this development has
impacted positively on the Psychology Service.
Two Psychiatric Nurses have been recruited to the Psychology Service.
Their development through specialist training in the delivery of
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy has allowed:
• Expansion of psychological therapies to an increased number of
patients.
• The development of skill mix within Psychology Service.
• Reduced cost per treatment.
• More opportunity for the development of co-working with other
mental health professionals within the Trust.
• The possibility of additional sharing skills with other staff through
formal training mechanisms within the Trust.
Objectives As above.
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Brief description of project Flexible work and training initiative set up to meet the needs of
people with mental health problems. It provides a range of activities
including light woodwork, knitting, sewing, typing and computer
skills, art and painting, cookery and basic living skills. Operates two
days per week with plans to expand to meet the demand. Clients are
involved in planning and management of project. ‘Prospect’s’ provides
the flexibility and support to meet the individual requirements of
users.
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CATEGORY 5
Address I.T.O
Thorne House
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Brief description of project Launched in 1995, ACCEPT aims to help people with mental ill-
health to realise a better quality of life through employment and
training. The project has pioneered several new approaches to mental
health service provision and mental health promotion, including the
establishment of four one-stop information centres in Belfast,
Portadown, Lisburn and Bangor. Other activities and services include
the promotion of mental health in the workplace through a ‘Good
Health Makes Good Business Sense’ series of seminars and handbook
targeting the top 600 employers in Northern Ireland; the
establishment of an ongoing series of high profile events aimed at
raising public awareness of mental health (including the Ideal Home
Exhibition 1996 and 1997, Good Health Fayre 1999); the promotion
of new approaches to mental health and employability, for example
the support of social firms, and the publication of a Social Firms
handbook in 1998.
ACCEPT is a partnership project, both at a regional level (the project
consists of a consortium made up of 17 organisations with an interest
in mental health) and at a transnational level (ACCEPT Europe
consists of over 300 different projects from ten national partners.)
This partnership approach was recognised in 1997 when the project
was selected from over 200 mental health organisations from across
the UK and awarded second place in the Sir Graham Day National
Mental Health Awards.
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ACCEPT (Assessment, Counselling, Coaching and Employment, Placement and Training for
individuals with mental ill-health) continued
• The provision of mental health information to 7,796 people (via
events and information centres.)
• Guidance and advice on employment and training opportunities
was provided to 1,863 people recovering from mental ill-health.
• Pre-employment training was provided to 621 individuals
recovering from mental ill-health.
• 204 ACCEPT clients were placed in further education and
employment.
• The mental health in the workplace initiative raised awareness
among 600 employers.
Brief description of project The Fun Maters project is a collaboration at work between the Mater
Hospital, Occupational Therapy Department and Funscape and an
independent dramatic arts company. The project aims to:
• provide access to the arts for people suffering from mental illness in
North and West Belfast;
• provide a bridge between the therapeutic milieu and community
arts activities.
The project consists of a series of drama/music workshops culminating
in performance. Participants are involved in every aspect of production
taking into consideration their skills, needs, talents and choices.
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CATEGORY 5
Project name Promoting Mental Health – Patient Group within Day Hospital
Brief description of project The overall aim of the Mental Health Group is to give patients a
positive sense of wellbeing and an underlying belief in their own and
other’s dignity and self worth. The Mental Health Group is held once
a week for one and a half hours. It is an open group with an
attendance of around 10-15 clients. Various topics are discussed each
week ranging from substance and alcohol misuse to stress, anxiety,
healthy lifestyles, impact of mental illness on people’s lives and
treatments. Medication education is also carried out.
Objectives • Group members will be able to outline the factors that contribute
towards maintaining optimum mental health.
• Group members will recognise possible reasons for people becoming
mentally unwell.
• Group members will understand the steps that are necessary to look
after their own mental health.
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CATEGORY 6
Brief description of project In 1987, three members of the rehabilitation team (social worker,
community psychiatric nurse and occupational therapist) came
together to form a voluntary group to address the problem of social
isolation outside hospital by providing opportunities for a social life
for former patients.
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CATEGORY 6
Brief description of project Based at ‘The Derriaghy Centre’ (which is run using the ‘Clubhouse
Model’), this project has a catchment area of Derriaghy, Twinbrook,
Poleglass, Dummurry, Lisburn, Dromore, Aghalee, Ballinderry, and
Hillsborough. It has been running since June 1998 and exists to
promote discussion of mental health issues between sufferers and
professionals. There is no fixed agenda, although education for the
whole community, destigmatisation of mental health difficulties and
more effective allocation of health service funding are prevalent issues.
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Brief description of project NSF exists to improve the lives of everyone affected by schizophrenia
and other severe mental illness by providing quality support, services
and information, and by influencing local, regional and national
policies. NSF provides services based on the values of dignity, respect
and sensitivity, choice, information, access to services, involvement in
planning, communication, quality, responsiveness and review.
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Brief description of project Accommodation and support scheme designed to meet the needs of
people aged 20-60 years old in the Larne/Carrick area, who have
experienced mental ill-health. These people would usually have found
their way into continuing care or rehabilitation wards of local
psychiatric hospitals. The scheme allows a choice of support ranging
from a comprehensive care package to largely independent living with
very little formal support. The accommodation is on a self-care basis
and tenants are expected to look after themselves whilst receiving
social services to ensure each tenant is receiving the most appropriate
care.
The Larne scheme also provides a drop-in facility and operates a
calendar of social events/activities.
Referrals to the scheme are made by a care professional.
Objectives Praxis aims to improve the quality of life of people who experience, or
are vulnerable to, mental ill-health through promoting independence
of such individuals and encouraging their integration into the local
community. In order to provide full and integrated services to people
who have experienced mental ill-health Praxis is committed to
collaboration with other agencies, statutory and voluntary, in the
pursuit of its aim.
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Address NIAMH
Central Office
Beacon House
80 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HE
Brief description of project Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health residential scheme
for people with mental health problems.
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CATEGORY 6
Brief description of project A dual diagnosis group was established following consultation with
Community Mental Health Team members and a number of clients
were identified as potential members.
The first group session took place in Strathroy Hostel in October
1998 and thereafter fortnightly. The sessions were client-led and
consisted of advice, education, support, discussions and video
viewing.
Overall we had a consistent group attendance, half opting for
abstinence and half for controlled drinking.
Outcomes: Planned Insight into the effects of alcohol misuse on the condition and
treatment of severe mental illness.
Project name Cause Relative Reach (Carers & Users Support Enterprise)
Brief description of project A modular, flexible and interactive model of support for carers and
families of those suffering from severe mental illness, including
helpline, local support groups and programmes of carer education.
Outcomes: Actual Telephone helpline in North and West, and South and East Belfast
Health and Social Services Trust’s areas.
Support groups in Belfast.
Regular educational programmes.
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CATEGORY 6
Brief description of project The Outreach Nursing Service complements the existing community
mental health team within the Armagh and Dungannon Trust. The
ethos of the service is to identify patients who suffer from severe
chronic mental health problems and who have a history of repeated
admissions to hospital. When the criteria are met the Outreach Nurse
is able to provide intensive nursing input to the patient and their
carer over a specific period of time, that otherwise may not have been
possible with conventional services, with the aim that hospital
admission may be avoided. Working with clients who are in the acute
phase of mental illness, to enable the Outreach Nurse to provide
intensive nursing care, mean that case loads are lower than that of the
generic Community Psychiatric Nurse, eg approximately eight to
twelve client referrals are made to the service from the key worker,
then screened by the team-leader. Presently the service is provided by
two Grade ‘E’ staff nurses, one working with each community Mental
Health Team within Armagh and Dungannon Trust
Objectives • To have regular contact with the client who is in the acute phase of
mental illness, and by so doing, provide intensive support and
monitoring to assist the client to remain at home and avoid hospital
admission.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate a programme of care for
the individual client, as agreed between Outreach Nurse, client, key
worker and carer, where applicable.
• To educate the client to promote their mental health and wellbeing,
and by so doing improve the client’s skills and coping abilities to
prevent relapse in the future.
• To provide home-based treatments to meet the individual needs of
each client, eg medication education, individual relaxation, carers’
support, management of stress and anxiety, counselling,
involvement in developing leisure activities, maintaining and
expanding social skills, advocating and delivering health promotion.
Outcomes: Planned • To maintain the client within their own home environment and
provide intensive nursing support.
• To prevent, where possible, admission to hospital.
• With the involvement of the Outreach Nursing Service it is hoped
the crisis will be averted and that the client’s mental health will
improve. However in cases where hospital admission is necessary,
with the existence of the Outreach Nursing Service either before or
after admission, length of stay in hospital may be shortened, and
admissions become less frequent.
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Summary
The aims of mental health promotion are to enhance competence, self-esteem and a sense of wellbeing at
the individual level, and to address broader structures and environments that have negative mental health
impacts.
We know that major improvements in health can best be achieved through changes in adverse social,
environmental and economic conditions. We also know that these same adverse conditions can have a
profound impact on mental wellbeing.
Not all of the projects described are about mental health per se, but contribute to the quality of people’s
lives by seeking to address a number of factors such as discrimination or a lack of opportunity for paid
work. The interventions and projects included in this resource demonstrate the practical help which can
make a great difference to people’s lives.
• promoting social relationships, for example through social skills and assertiveness training as
well as communication and relationship skills;
• developing effective coping skills, including problem solving and parenting skills;
• providing social support and making social changes, eg supporting families, home visits,
changing attitudes, helplines;
All these approaches have been found to be effective in promoting mental health.
Many of the approaches bring together local agencies and services across sectors in collaborative approaches
to meet the needs of communities. A number of projects attempt to identify early problems in order to
prevent individual or family breakdown, and consider services or support to help. Giving local people a
voice in shaping the services and support provided for them is evident in a number of projects and is
essential for building community ownership, networks and trust.
It is hoped that by learning about some of the examples of work going on in Northern Ireland, our
understanding of the way all organisations and groups can impact on mental health can grow. Mental
wellbeing is fundamental to good health and quality of life and must be addressed as part of improving our
overall health in Northern Ireland.
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This appendix contains summary information from the evidence of effectiveness reviews conducted by the
following:
Tilford S, Delaney F and Vegells M. Review of the effectiveness of mental health promotion interventions.
London: Health Education Authority, 1997.
Hodgson RJ and Abbasi T. Effective mental health promotion: literature review. Technical Report No. 13.
Cardiff: Health Promotion Wales, 1995.
Mental Health Promotion in high-risk groups. Effective Health Care Bulletin. University of York, NHS
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, 1997.
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Broadly similar approaches across the spectrum of mental health promotion have been found to be
effective. These include:
• promoting good social relationships, for example through social skills and assertiveness training
as well as communication and relationship skills;
• developing effective coping skills. These include problem solving skills, cognitive skills and
parenting skills;
• providing social support and making social changes: examples include changing school attitudes
regarding bullying, home visits from health workers to support new parents, supporting bereaved
families and supporting widows;
• the evidence also suggests that mass media campaigns supported by community activities can
have a measurable impact on knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions.
A meta-analysis of this research leads to the following conclusions which can help in identifying priorities
for mental health promotion:
School-age children
A number of effective school-based programmes have been developed which can be universally applied
across a particular age group. These programmes focus upon improving social and cognitive competence as
well as reducing substance misuse and aggressive behaviour.
Once a behavioural problem has been identified there are a number of school-based interventions which
can reduce aggressive behaviour, improve school performance and reduce delinquent behaviour. The
interventions focus mainly upon social relationships, approval for good behaviour and some parental
involvement.
Mental health problems in children which result from a family bereavement or divorce can be reduced by
programmes which focus upon dealing with feelings of loss, conflict or anger.
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Caesarean delivery can lead to postnatal depressive symptoms. A relatively brief intervention can reduce
psychological problems, reduce medication and enhance attachment between parents and baby.
Home visiting programmes which focus upon parenting skills and the prevention of psychological
problems in children also result in better mental health outcomes for mothers.
There is evidence that those who care for people who are elderly, disabled or mentally ill can be helped to
reduce the level of stress that they experience.
People who are unemployed can be helped to deal with feelings of helplessness and depression and their
chances of finding a job can be increased.
Newly widowed women can be helped to start up new activities and social relationships as well as reduce
levels of depression.
Some alcohol-related problems can be improved through brief interventions which focus specifically on
motivation to change.
More severe alcohol-related problems can be reduced by approaches which focus upon coping skills, social
skills and community involvement.
Family interventions for schizophrenia have been shown to be effective in preventing relapse and
subsequent hospital admissions.
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There is reliable evidence of a range of interventions which can be effective in promoting mental health
and preventing mental health problems in identifiable high-risk groups. The Effective Health Care bulletin:
Mental Health Promotion in high-risk groups (June 1997) presents the findings of a systematic review of
research in mental health promotion among certain vulnerable groups. It offers some promising findings
which suggest that, through collaboration with other agencies, health authorities, primary healthcare teams
and service providers can make an impact in this area.
High-risk groups
Children who are:
• living in poverty;
• exhibiting behavioural difficulties;
• experiencing parental separation or divorce;
• within families experiencing bereavement.
Home-based social support visits and training in childcare skills for new parents are effective.
High-quality pre-school and nursery education can be effective in improving self-esteem, social behaviour
and educational outcomes in children from disadvantaged communities. Children exhibiting behaviour
problems at home or at school may benefit from a range of interventions, including school-based social
skills programmes and training for their parents in specific parenting skills.
Workshops which provide emotional support, cognitive skills training and explore issues relating to grief
and loss can reduce mental distress in children of separating parents or following the death of a parent.
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A substantial body of literature has considered ways of safeguarding or improving the psychological
wellbeing of people caring for highly dependent children or adults. Respite care and some forms of
psychological support have been found to be effective in reducing the high levels of mental strain which
often go unrecognised in informal carers. Advocacy schemes may improve access to these services.
There has been a rapid growth in the employment of counsellors, particularly within primary care. There
is, however, little evidence that generic counselling alone produces sustained benefits, although cognitive
behaviour therapy is an important component of several of the effective interventions identified.
More consideration needs to be given to the scope and effectiveness of specific forms of counselling and
the skills of counsellors before the service is extended too widely.
The review related to high risk groups indicates that a wide range of health professionals and supervised
lay volunteers can play an important role in providing effective mental health promotion services, in
addition to those provided within mainstream mental health services.
Members of the Primary Health Care Team (for example, community and practice nurses) are well placed
to identify people who are at high-risk of developing mental health problems. Comprehensive directories
of local services and facilities would enable those providing services to direct vulnerable people to
additional sources of support and information, including self-help, user groups and services provided by
the voluntary sector.
The review stated that health services should consider using the findings of this review to inform their
commissioning in areas which contribute to mental wellbeing. To be effective and efficient,
interventions will require active coordination across disciplines (such as midwifery and health visiting)
and between a variety of agencies. A formal mechanism for establishing and monitoring cross-sectoral
collaboration is needed to ensure effective joint working between health, social, education, employment
and voluntary services.
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Acknowledgments
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland is indebted to all those who contributed information
for the database.
The extensive work undertaken by Health Promotion Wales and the Health Education Authority, London
has informed this document. We gratefully acknowledge the enormous contribution their work has made
to our efforts.
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