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financial worries and the lockdown itself, it has been mentally taxing. I hope that the government pays attention to mental health in the years ahead and provides financial support to charities like Action Mental Health.” Although it is too early to say what that long-term impact will be, AMH does expect mental health issues to be further exacerbated by lockdown, particularly for people managing pre-existing mental health problems. “With this in mind, our AMH Works team has developed a series of toolkits that are available from our website, www.amh.org.uk,” Jonathan added. “They offer tips on looking after your mental health and managing stress, managing staff remotely, approaching conversations with staff on the subject of mental health, as well as other sources of support. By using some of the techniques from the toolkits, it is possible to surf the wave and believe it or not, cope and work better together.” Good communication has been at the core of the CTS approach. “Many events throughoutmy life have pointedme inAction Mental Health’s direction.”
GOING TO TOWN… Warrenpoint Town FC’s Under-16 team sporting the Action Mental Health logo on their shirts.
would be better promoting Action Mental Health.” It was a gesture that was much appreciated by AMH. “CTS had been sponsoring one of the youth teams at Warrenpoint, but rather than placing the company logo on the shirts, they generously gave the space to Action Mental Health. Again, this was a great opportunity to raise the issue of mental health in the context of the sporting world, and helped us to spread the message to another group of impressionable young people we would not otherwise have reached.” Predictions are that the Coronavirus crisis will have a long-term negative impact on mental health. “I think it has had an impact already,” said Managing Director of CTS, Connaire McGreevy. “I also think there will be more mental health problems as we go forward. Covid-19 and the lockdown are not natural for people. The only positive to emerge is an increased focus on mental health, but there needs to be a very good strategy to cope in the coming years. With people losing jobs,
For CTS’ MD, as with many in the company, it’s personal. Connaire’s sister Ciara, a sufferer from bi-polar disorder and depression, tragically passed away just over two years ago. “Many events throughout my life have pointed me in AMH’s direction. Knowing family members and friends who have suffered from mental health issues inspired me to want to help. The double marathon challenge I completed last year was as much about mental and physical strength, so seemed to be a natural fit. I was overwhelmed by the support I received and how much money was raised.” It’s not the only time the 37-year-old Rostrevor man has used the sporting arena to raise awareness. As Chairman of Irish League Premiership club Warrenpoint Town FC, Connaire saw a gilt-edged opportunity to spread the word. “I felt our Under-16 age category was a good place to bring Action Mental Health on board and to highlight their organisation”, added Connaire. “So, I decided that rather than promote my own business, we
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