Latest News and Updates

April 2021 marks Stress Awareness Month, which has been held in the UK since 1992, to highlight both the causes and cures of stress. The Stress Management Society recently found that 65% of adults in the UK have felt more stressed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March last year. Therefore, this year’s theme for Stress Awareness Month is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control’.

The Covid Wellbeing NI hub, a mental health resource led by Northern Ireland’s leading mental health charities, has been accessed by over 52,000 people. Launched in June 2020 by the Department of Communities in partnership with the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and 16 mental health charities, the online resource has provided advice to people through the pandemic and encourages people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.

From 29th March to 4th April, we are sharing information and guidance from Addiction NI on Gambling Awareness and support. Gambling can affect any one of us. What starts as harmless fun and a much-needed distraction, in this current time, can soon become an unhealthy need, which can lead to serious consequences.

From 22nd to 28th March we are sharing information and guidance from Aware on the topic of 'Looking After Your Mental Health', helping people recognise signs and symptoms of poor mental health and self-seeking advice. AWARE is a depression charity for Northern Ireland - working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar disorder.

From 15th to 21st March we are sharing information and guidance from Nexus on the topic of looking to the future for victims of sexual assault, showing victims they are not alone and they don't have to suffer in silence. Nexus NI offer services and support to people who have been affected by sexual violence in any form, and their services are delivered right across Northern Ireland.

From 8th to 14th March, Change Your Mind are sharing information around acknowledging your feelings about newest stage of the pandemic- the roll out of the vaccine. Change Your Mind share tips on focusing on what you can control, understanding your feelings and how to make an informed decision.

As the vaccine rolls out and we hear of our government lockdown exit plans, it is encouraging that we can start to plan for the future and the possibility of a return to a more connected, healthier lifestyle. However the pandemic isn’t over and the Chief Medical Officer has asked that community leaders help reinforce important public health messages in the run up to several key dates over the next few months. The first of those dates is Mother’s Day.

From 1st to 7th March, MindWise are sharing information and guidance on the anxieties surrounding parents, carers and kids as they think about heading back to schools. MindWise, is a leading mental health charity in Northern Ireland who deliver over 30 key services, raising awareness, challenge stigma and campaigning for change. MindWise also provide early intervention support to young people and families at risk of developing mental health issues.

From 22nd to 28th February, Age NI are sharing tips and advice on staying connected, eating well, being mindful and keeping active for older people across Northern Ireland. Age NI is the leading charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this. Age NI help thousands of people every year, providing companionship, advice and support for older people who need it most.

From 15th to 21st February, we are sharing information and guidance from Inspire Students on the topic of wellbeing at home for students. Inspire Students promotes and supports positive mental health among the student population across Ireland, while tackling the stigma often associated with mental ill-health.

From 8th to 14th February, we are sharing information and guidance from CAUSE on the topic of 'Families and friends who are supporting someone living with a serious mental illness' showing these unpaid mental health carers the importance of looking after themselves so they can continue in their challenging roles during the pandemic and beyond.

From 1st to 7th February, we are sharing information campaign news from Change Your Mind. On Thursday 4th February, Change Your Mind are hosting Time to Talk Day, a day encouraging people to talk about mental health and challenge stigma. The campaign theme this year is the Power of Small because even the smallest of actions, can make a big difference.

From 25th to 31st January, we are sharing information and guidance from Rural Support on Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice for Farmers and Farming Families including resilience, coping with pressures and support. The organisation provides this support through a helpline which offers a listening and signposting service for farmers and farm families. Callers to the helpline are of all ages and backgrounds and come from every part of Northern Ireland.

From 18th to 24th January we are sharing information and guidance from The Rainbow Project on the LGBT+ Wellbeing. The Rainbow Project team are sharing tips and advice on staying safe at home, seeking help & support and connecting with your community.

From 11th to 18th January Spring Social Prescribing are sharing helpful tips and advice on how to maintain connections, support and showing kindness to yourself and others. This is vitally important- now more than ever. Spring Social Prescribing help people address their health and wellbeing by connecting them to sources of support within their communities.

From 4th to 10th January, Relate NI are sharing helpful tips and advice on how to relieve pressures on you and your relationships during Covid-19. This year, the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic and lockdown conditions may be adding to the pressure for many. As we prepare our homes and our workplaces for the festive season, it is equally important that we prepare ourselves and our relationships. All relationships experience tension and it is normal to seek relationship support.

From 21st to 27th December MindWise are sharing helpful tips and advice on how to support someone who is living with mental ill health. If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, it can be hard to know what to do. MindWise have a great guide on supporting someone with their mental health. Below is a quick link to the 'How to Help Others' page on the Covid Wellbeing NI website, with a number of great resources from MindWise.

From 14th to 20th December Papyrus are sharing helpful tips and advice on suicide prevention which they hope encourages everybody to speak openly about suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. Papyrus exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill has this week teamed up with the 16 Covid Wellbeing NI Partnership to launch a campaign to encourage everyone that, even though it’s a difficult time right now, ‘We’ll get through this together’, and there is much to be hopeful for.

From 7th to 13th December Cruse Bereavement Care are sharing helpful tips and advice on how to cope with bereavement around Christmas. Whether it's your first Christmas after a bereavement, or you lost someone long ago, Christmas can be a particularly painful time. Cruse Bereavement Care have shared some practical ways to cope with the loss of a loved one over Christmas.

The Christmas period can be difficult for those living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. For the month of December, AWARE will be launching an advent calendar with messages of support and tips for managing the festive period whilst living with depression, anxiety or bipolar. Stay tuned to our social media channels from 1st December. In the meantime, here are our top tips for coping with depression in the run up to Christmas.

For the month of December, AWARE will be launching an advent calendar with messages of support and tips for managing the festive period whilst living with depression, anxiety or bipolar. From 30th to 6th December AWARE are linking their advent messaging with the #CovidWellbeingNI Campaign.

From 23rd to 29th November we are sharing information and guidance from TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues) who are encouraging people to Take 5 during Covid-19. TAMHI will be sharing tips linking the take 5 messages: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give. TAMHI is a mental health charity based in Northern Ireland that works with sports clubs and groups who use sport to raise awareness of mental health and resilience. TAMHI works with sports clubs, schools, and youth groups to make mental health fun and engaging.

From 16th to 22nd November we are sharing information and guidance from Addiction NI focusing on addiction and mental health during Covid-19. This week is Alcohol Awareness Week and Addiction NI are sharing tips on seeking support and helpful tools to help those facing addictive behaviours during the pandemic.

From 9th to 15th November we are sharing information and guidance from Change Your Mind on the topic of the stigma surround Covid-19. We will be sharing tips and calls to action on how to prevent stigma in our lives and placing the importance of breaking stigma, if we are to keep everyone safe and healthy. Change Your Mind is a grassroots campaign shaped by the collaboration of communities, organisations and individuals who are championing the message against mental health stigma across society.

In 2020, circumstances demanded that we do things a little differently for World Mental Health Day. To celebrate the day, we staged a virtual festival – The Wellbeing Sessions Live, which promoted wellbeing and the various forms it can take. We had morning yoga, live music, advice, discussions and insights. There was something for everyone.

From 2nd to 8th November we are sharing information and guidance from Action Mental Health on the topic of Stress, sharing helpful advice and tips on how to relive pressure and regain control. Action Mental Health (AMH) actively promotes the mental health and well-being of people in Northern Ireland.

From 26th October to 1st November we are sharing information and guidance from Inspire Workplaces on the topic of Work Life and Burn Out sharing helpful advice and tips on how to slow down and take time for yourself. Inspire Workplaces is the leading provider of workplace wellbeing solutions, delivering mental health and wellbeing support to some of the UK and Ireland’s leading private, public and third sector organisations.

From 19th to 25th October we are sharing information and guidance from Nexus on the topic of Looking to the future for victims of sexual assault, showing victims they are not alone and they don't have to suffer in silence. Nexus NI offer services and support to people who have been affected by sexual violence in any form, and their services are delivered right across Northern Ireland.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Northern Ireland Executive has introduced new local restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The COVID Wellbeing NI website features numerous handy tips on promoting good mental health in these challenging times.

From 12th to 18th October we are sharing information and guidance from CAUSE on the topic of 'Families and friends who are supporting someone living with a serious mental illness' showing these unpaid mental health carers the importance of looking after themselves so they can continue in their challenging roles during the pandemic and beyond.

From 5th October to 11th October, Inspire will be celebrating World Mental Health Day by focusing on the great aspects of the Covid Wellbeing Website. This years theme is Better Mental Health for All, so everyday throughout the week, Inspire will highlight some of the beneficial areas of the website.

Volunteer Now, the lead organisation for promoting and supporting volunteering in Northern Ireland, has launched a new photographic series capturing the work of volunteers across all six counties helping local communities in need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 28th September to 4th October, we are sharing information and guidance from Age NI on How to Support Older People during Covid 19 and how they can stay safe at home. They offer advice around staying connected and keeping active whilst we face new daily restrictions. Age NI is the leading charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.

From 21st September to 27th September, we are sharing information and guidance from Barnardos, looking at Children and Young People. Their advice focusing on how children and young people can be kinder to themselves and focus on things they enjoy as the Covid-19 emergency has presented a challenge like no other in our history.

We are delighted to showcase the new bi-lingual information we have made accessible for those whom English is not their first language.

From 14th September to 20th September, we are sharing information and guidance from the Action Mental Health on How to Support Someone with Eating Disorders.

Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champion encourages public to ‘Connect ’ for World Suicide Prevention Day.

Today (Monday 7th September), marks the launch of a regional mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign - ‘Working Together To Promote Mental Wellbeing”.

From 31st August to 6th September, we are sharing information and guidance from MindWise on money and mental health. MindWise are focusing on advice surrounding budgeting, seeking help and knowing who is here to help.

From 17th to 23rd August, we are sharing information and guidance from Cruse on grief and bereavement throughout Covid-19. Cruse Bereavement Care has been helping bereaved people for 60 years. Cruse offers telephone, email and website support meaning all bereaved people have somewhere to turn when someone dies.

With 2020 designated the summer of the staycation, MyNI Life a government digital marketing service, is sharing messages and content on behalf of the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and other trusted providers in a new campaign called #GetIntoNature.

From 17th to 23rd August, we are sharing information and guidance from Rural Support on Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice for Farmers and Farming Families including money management and support services.

From 10th to 16th August, we are sharing information and guidance from Change Your Mind on Challenging Stigma. Change Your Mind is Northern Ireland’s regional campaign to tackle stigma and discrimination around mental health. They are a grassroots campaign shaped by the collaboration of communities, organisations and individuals who are championing the message against mental health stigma across society.

StopCOVID NI is a free health service app for your mobile phone. It will help us to protect each other and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

In today’s world people who are more active, feel valued, have a network of friends and are happy to participate in meaningful activities. Getting involved in volunteering can offer these benefits and more.

This is the time of year when Pride celebrations are taking place so The Rainbow Project are focusing on LGBT+ Wellbeing this week. This week’s messages include, advice on maintaining connections, being safe at home and offer help and support.

From 27th July to 2nd August, we are sharing information and guidance from Spring Social Prescribing on the topic of Your Health and Wellbeing. Spring Social Prescribing are sharing tips and advice on maintaining connections, exercise, support and being kind to yourself and others.

From 20th to 26th July, we are sharing information and guidance from Relate NI on the topic of Relationships. Healthy relationships have never been more important than right now. Relate NI share tips and advice on how to reduce the impact Covid has on you and your family.

From 13th to 19th July, we are sharing information and guidance from MindWise for people Living with Mental Ill-Health. Seaneen, MindWise Communications Manager, shares 5 tips for coping with the Covid-19 restrictions when you’re living with a mental health condition.

From 6th to 12th July we are sharing information and guidance from Action Mental Health on the topic of 'Parenting: Self-Help & Self-Care', sharing tips and advice for parents and carers on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time with additional stresses in life.

Age NI have teamed up with Lady Mary Peters to launch an exercise programme aimed specifically at keeping older people moving during the extended Covid-19 lockdown.

From 29th to 5th July we are sharing information and guidance from Aware on the topic of 'Looking After Your Mental Health', helping people recognise signs and symptoms of poor mental health and self-seeking advice.

Seaneen, Mindwise Communications Manager, shares 5 tips for coping with the Covid-19 restrictions when you’re living with a mental health condition.

From 22nd to 28th June we are sharing information and guidance from Addiction NI on the topic of 'Alcohol and Your Wellbeing', looking at alcohol and sleep, how it affects children and emotions.

A new virtual wellbeing hub to promote positive mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched. The Department for Communities and the Department of Health have partnered with 15 leading mental and wellbeing health charities and the Healthy Living Centre Alliance representing 28 local Healthy Living Centres to focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing during and after the Covid-19 emergency.

Community Development and Health Network have provided accurate and up to date information around Coronavirus (COVID-19) words and terms explained in plain English. Click on the link to read.

As the NHS and HSE can’t deliver their Stress Control classes in the community just now, Dr Jim White will, instead, live-stream the classes, free-of-charge.