Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 18-24 May 2020, and this year’s theme is kindness. Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, the week aims to raise awareness and to promote the message of good mental health for all.

Here you can find a range of content designed to give you more information about mental health and to help you to look after your mental health.

We have videos, inspiring stories from people we have supported and information about getting help if you're struggling.

About mental health

Looking after your mental health

Personal stories

Mental health videos

Latest

Rebekah's story - Working for Extern

What I appreciated most about Extern is that you didn’t just feel like the ‘new person’; you were instantly accepted as part of the team
New opportunities - Project Workers

New opportunities for project workers to provide intensive wraparound services to young people and their parents assessed as being in need, and offers a community based alternative to care.
Fundraise for Extern this Spring
Michelle's story - MYDAS

"Extern supported my whole family, and they were able to refer both of my parents to a family support worker to help them cope with their own issues"

Urgent relief staff needed for homelessness services

A range of skills sets and roles are required, including reception and cleaning staff, as well as specialist supports such as support workers, healthcare workers, and night staff. All positions are paid roles.
Royal Welcome for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on visit to Extern

TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Extern’s family respite centre, Savannah House, in Clane, Co. Kildare.
Extern Assistant Director wins NI Social Worker of the Year award

Northern Ireland's Social Worker of the Year has been named as Magherafelt man Mal Byrne, assistant director of leading social justice charity Extern.
Extern issues urgent ‘Callout to Landlords’ in new bid to tackle homelessness here

In a new bid to tackle homelessness, Extern is looking for properties across Northern Ireland.
How I became a Support Worker at Extern

From joining the company as a placement student Rebeca Martin-Greenwood has worked her way up to the role of an assistant manager with Extern, enhancing her studies along the way. Here is how she became a Support Worker at Extern.
Minister expands successful Extern-operated Bail Supervision Scheme

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD, has announced that youth justice programme is to be expanded to courts in Cork and Limerick, as well as continuing in Dublin.
COVID-19: Latest service delivery news

Find out how we are working heard to ensure we continue to support the most vulnerable people in your community
Extern takes top UU award for social work placements

Leading social justice charity Extern has won a major local award for its work in developing future generations of social workers in Northern Ireland.
Current Basic Life Support guidance from PHA, NHS and BHF for those administering naloxone amidst the coronavirus pandemic

PHA advice/guidance for anyone who may potentially administer naloxone and give Basic Life Support
Extern launches community directory to tackle impact of lockdown on mental and physical wellbeing in East Antrim

The easy to access guide provides details of where people facing mental health difficulties may access support, as well as details of parenting groups, gyms, GP surgeries and places of worship, among others.

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Nutrition for Substance Use

Download our new Nutrition for Substance Use guide, which is aimed at anyone who uses substances such as drugs or alcohol and who wishes to improve their nutritional intake. Read more

New opportunity - Counsellor

Exciting new role for a counsellor to provide individual and small group therapeutic interventions to young people experiencing difficulties in relation to drug and/or alcohol use. Read more