MindWise

If you have ever worried about the statement, "what if we invest in training for our staff and they leave our company?" Then think of the alternative, what if you don’t train them and they stay? The repercussions of training investment are multiple; firstly they benefit the individual, then the individual's direct reports and colleagues. Both instances benefit the employer.  Training such as MindWise Mental Health First Aid will even help the participant in their daily lives outside of work. Mental Health First Aid is more important than it has ever been and our upcoming session running over two days in person will highlight symptom recognition and the signposting tools for some of the most common mental health issues. Our trainers are experts at handling this sensitive subject matter. Time and again our participants tell us they are so grateful to have been made aware of what they should do if faced with the situation of anyone experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, or if they are witnessing someone gradually going downhill.   Staff are people first and employees second and this small investment is worth its weight in gold! Sign up link in comments for the next Mental Health First Aid in Belfast: 19th and 26th November. #mentalhealthfirstaid #investorsinpeoplegold

We are thrilled to express our deepest gratitude to NFU Mutual Lisburn and Banbridge for their generous donation of £3,254.50! This incredible support plays a crucial role in enhancing our local MindWise services, making a significant difference within our communities. Your contribution has enabled us to purchase three defibrillators for our MindWise housing services, ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients. Recently, we celebrated this amazing donation with clients from our Southern Trust Day Ops and Millmount services at The One World Event. The event was a joyful gathering where participants enjoyed a delightful range of foods from cultures around the world and engaged in arts and crafts activities from across the globe. This enriching experience was made possible by the dedicated staff and volunteers from ArtsEkta . The atmosphere was filled with laughter and community spirit as clients sampled international cuisines, discovered new flavours, and shared stories. The arts and crafts stations allowed everyone to express their creativity, fostering a sense of community and connection. We extend our heartfelt thanks once again to National Farmers Mutual for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts to provide enriching experiences for our clients. Your generosity empowers us to continue our work and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. A special shout-out to ArtsEkta for their invaluable contribution in facilitating the beautiful food and engaging activities. Our clients thoroughly enjoyed the event, and it was a wonderful reminder of the power of community and collaboration. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our clients, and we look forward to more events that celebrate diversity, creativity, and connection. Thank you for your support and being a part of this journey with us! Want to support our work? Link to Donate👉 bit.ly/3zIZAJr

🌞 Celebrating National Mentoring Day! 🌞 Today, we recognize the amazing power of mentoring across the UK. Mentors come from all walks of life – individuals, organizations, communities, educators, and government agencies. They play a vital role in our careers, education, and personal growth, helping us achieve our goals and unlock our potential. Quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects: Enhanced personal development: Mentoring helps individuals build confidence, develop leadership skills, and engage in their communities.  Boosted career prospects: Mentored individuals often have better career outcomes, including higher job satisfaction and increased professional opportunities. But it’s not just mentees who benefit! Professional development: Mentoring others can enhance mentors’ leadership and communication skills.  Personal fulfilment: Helping others achieve their goals brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  Networking: Mentors often build meaningful relationships and expand their professional networks through mentoring. 🙏 A huge thank you to all the mentors who dedicate their time and wisdom to make a difference in others’ lives. Your guidance, support and influence is invaluable. You help shape the future, one mentee at a time. 🗨 Who has been a mentor in your life? How have they helped you grow? Let’s spread the love and appreciation. Tag your mentors in the comments or share this post to show your gratitude and inspire others to recognize their mentors too! 

This World Mental Health Day, let’s prioritize mental health in the workplace. Mental health is everyone’s business, and workplaces can do more to support their staff. Did you know that mental health issues cost the Northern Ireland economy £3.4 billion annually? One-third of workdays lost in Northern Ireland are due to anxiety, stress, depression, and other psychiatric disorders, with 28% related to work-related stress. As of December 2023, over 17,500 people were waiting for mental health services. Shockingly, approximately 75% of those waiting for psychological therapies waited longer than the 13-week target. The provision of future services outlined in the mental health strategy workforce review is hugely concerning. It requires a growth in staff numbers across statutory services of almost 50%, with the CAMHS workforce needing to double to meet demand. The cost of the 10-year mental health strategy is £1.2 billion, but only approximately £10 million has been allocated so far. Almost £35 million is needed, and by 2024-25, £42 million is expected. This significant shortfall highlights the urgent need for increased funding to support mental health services. Burnout in the Workplace: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. In the workplace, burnout can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a higher turnover rate. Employers can help by promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing mental health resources, and fostering a supportive work environment. Our Resources and Training: We offer comprehensive training programs for employers and employees, ranging from basic awareness courses to diploma-level qualifications 👉 https://bit.ly/3YivHJg. Our training covers:   WorkWise Mental Health Training: Bespoke training for employers and employees on creating a more mentally healthy workplace. Mental Health First Aid : Learn how to recognize common mental health issues and how to provide non-judgmental support. Coaching and Development: Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching in partnership with Kingston College. This Mental Health Day, join us in advocating for better mental health services across Northern Ireland and making our workplaces healthier and more supportive for everyone. Want to help make a difference?  Support the vital work of MindWise by making a donation 👉 bit.ly/3zIZAJr

Congratulations to Aaron Graham, Customer Service Executive at Portadown Audi, on completing the Causeway Coast Marathon on Saturday 14th September. Aaron undertook the unusal marthon route along the rugged Causeway Coast and raised an impressive £375 for our charity partner MindWise Aaron stated: “This was one of the most challenging events I have ever ran! I ran this in aid of the MindWise charity as I know from experience how important it is to look after your mental health. I want to say a major thank you to everyone who donated; with your help and donations, lives can be transformed.” Thank you Aaron for your continuing support for MindWise.

MindWise welcomes the SDLP's Opposition Day motions on mental health. We are committed to working with all parties in the Assembly and were pleased to assist Matthew O'Toole in informing some of the motions being debated today. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eNi7trkT

MindWise is proud to be a founding member of the new Northern Ireland Mental Health Policy Alliance which formally launches today in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings. We feel privileged and empowered to be working collaboratively with partner organisations to ensure a mentally healthy society for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Amazing!! ⛳ Our heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated staff at Agnew. Their team are pivotal in helping us deliver the Beyond Bricks programme in primary schools across NI. ✏ Beyond Bricks teaches children how to convey and manage their emotions using Lego based therapy, a wonderful early intervention tool with a huge impact for our young people and their future!

👨🎓 The team in MindWise HQ are excited to welcome our new cohort of students from far and wide in October. We have students taking part from as far away as Australia in our online Diploma for Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching! There is only one intake each year so grab one of the last few spaces by visiting the link in comments below. 🤝 In addition to the benefits of this training for the individual student, investing in this in depth training could also be worth 160 social value hours to your company! 🏆 If your business engages in public sector tendering you may be familiar with the requirement that 10% of the contract award needs to be allocated to social value. Contact us to find out more about our social value support for businesses!

A huge congratulations to everyone who completed the Mourne Challenge on Sunday, 8th Sept! 🎉 The hike kicked off in sunny Slieve Donard, but the group faced tough conditions with heavy mist as they climbed to the Mourne Wall. Despite the weather, there were plenty of laughs, slips, and muddy feet along the way! A big thank you to Michelle Blain, Ciara O’Hara, and Paul Gillooly for their support and guidance throughout the trek. In total, the team conquered 19.7km in 4 hrs 33 mins, all to support our Charity Partner, MindWise 👏