Date posted: 10, September 2021

Extern is marking World Suicide Prevention Day today (Friday, September 10^th) with a new campaign to encourage people to take action and raise funds for mental health.

The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, and Extern is encouraging supporters to take on their very own Action Man challenge this autumn to help raise vital funds for Extern’s range of mental health programmes.

Grace O’Neill, Fundraising Manager with Extern, said: “The Action Man campaign is a great way to get involved with generating funds for our fantastic range of projects, as well as helping raise awareness of the great work that we do in supporting people managing mental health issues.

“There’s no limit on how you choose to raise funds. For example, you could host a football tournament with friends, challenge yourself to run or cycle 5k every day, or take to the air for a skydive – the only barrier is your own imagination!”

The Action Man campaign is also being run in conjunction with Feel Better, a free new online counselling service for people coping with anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues. The project is open to anyone aged 18-plus living in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area, and has been made possible thanks to a £96,755 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Feel Better manager Declan Morris said: “The past year and a half has been particularly tough, with isolation and anxiety now affecting so many people who perhaps may not have experienced these before.

“The Feel Better project offers a friendly, non-judgmental service to those who need support. Sessions are delivered online and are designed to make you feel at ease and more able to open up about whatever may be affecting you. Signing up couldn’t be simpler, all you have to do is contact our dedicated Whatsapp/text number and we will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.”

To contact Feel Better, simply text or Whatsapp to 07401 278169.

Click here you find out about how to take part in your Action Man challenge