Welcome

This website is for those who are worried about poor mental health, either their own or that of someone else, as well as those interested in maintaining good mental health. It discusses how you can spot the symptoms of a potential mental health problem and suggests some simple ways to stay mentally healthy.

It does not contain detailed information on any mental health conditions and should not be seen as a substitute for talking to your doctor or healthcare professional. Further information on mental health problems can be found on a range of websites listed in the Directory of services or by visiting the Royal College of Psychiatrists website. 

The website will be updated regularly and you can use the buttons at the top of the page to access dedicated sections for Young peopleAdults, Older people and Professionals. Use the sub-categories on the left to access specific content within each section.

Latest news

 A decade of promoting young people's mental health

The Design for Living partnership recently celebrated a decade of promoting young people’s mental health at a seminar in Lisburn.

Over 130 delegates from a wide range of backgrounds attended the event which provided practical information, advice and initiatives to promote and protect the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people across a range of settings.

Ten years ago, the Design for Living partnership agreed to facilitate a number of seminars on the theme of young people and self-esteem. Twenty-two seminars later and almost 800 practitioners working in the area of supporting the mental and emotional health needs of children and young people have attended these events, highlighting both the demand and the value placed on them over the years.

Mental Health First Aid training

Training developed in Australia to improve mental health literacy has been adapted for Northern Ireland.
 
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides basic skills on how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems such as psychosis, depression and anxiety, and shows participants how to provide initial help so that mental health crises may be avoided through early intervention. It is the very first step of intervention before a person receives professional help.

Betty Kitchener, one of the authors of the course and Program Director of MHFA Australia, was in Northern Ireland recently to assist with delivery of the 12-hour training programme to local instructors. Following the instructor training, the Mental Health First Aid course will be delivered across Northern Ireland in a range of settings.