Launch of ‘Hope, Health and Happiness’ project in Churchlands

The collaborative Project will support emotional wellbeing and mental health in the neighbourhood renewal area of Churchlands.

‘Hope, Health and Happiness’ is a joint initiative involving a wide range of organisations in the Churchlands area with the aim of improving local people’s emotional health and wellbeing, providing hope of a brighter future and offering opportunities for happiness through greater knowledge of available support agencies, as well as events and workshops.

Iain McAfee, Neighbourhood Renewal Health Coordinator, from the Northern Trust, who leads the project said, “Lack of information on where local people can go to seek help was identified as a need. Mental illness is an issue that can affect anyone and with at least one in five of the adult population in Northern Ireland suffering from a common mental health problem in a year, it is important that people know where to go for support.

“Through the Hope, Health & Happiness project we aim to distribute a broad range of information to residents and set up sessions to raise awareness of mental illness and how to manage it.

“The project also provides training to key stakeholders within the community to help them support clients as well as handle their own stress and generally challenge some of the stereotypes and stigma associated with the term mental illness.”

At the launch in the West Bann Community Centre, a presentation on the project to date will be provided, followed by an insightful and thought provoking presentation from Amanda Elliott the Suicide Prevention Officer from Causeway Rural and Urban Network (CRUN)/ North Antrim Community Network (NACN) on how your emotions affect your health.

Finally Jonny Thompson from Musical Wellbeing will up the tempo with his interactive musical workshop. Those in attendance will then have the opportunity to talk to a variety of organisations that can support the community while availing of some light refreshments.

If you would like to attend the launch or would like further information on the Hope, Health & Happiness project simply contact Iain McAfee, Neighbourhood Health Coordinator on 2766 1841 or 07818 506215 or email [email protected]