13th October 2025
The Southern Trust has hosted a mental health fair as part of a month-long campaign encouraging people to look after their mental health just as much as they would their physical health.
Between World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the five local health and Social Care Trusts, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Public Health Agency have been encouraging everyone to practise mental health self-care using the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’.
Over 100 people attended the event in Lurgan which brought together a range of mental health information and services and focussed on the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing.’ Former rugby player Jonny Murphy, spoke to guests about his own experience with mental wellbeing.
Information was available on how to become a ‘Community Connector’ to support local people to access services. The Trust’s Recovery College team which offers a range of free courses to promote mental health and wellbeing, were on hand to develop a ‘Wellness Wall’ to help participants agree actions on how to keep themselves well.
Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing for the Southern Trust said: “In Northern Ireland, at any given time, one in five adults may be experiencing a mental health problem. Looking after our mental health is not just something we should just do when we are feeling down.
“Life can be demanding so this campaign highlights the importance of small daily actions and self-care techniques to benefit your mental health and wellbeing and prevent more acute issues arising.
“The ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ can act as a guide for your mental wellbeing, encouraging you to connect, keep learning, be active, take notice and give. Making these steps part of our daily life can help build resilience around our mental and emotional wellbeing.
“It is also important that we recognise the signs of poor mental health in ourselves and others. Some simple changes to our lifestyle such as exercising, having good sleep habits and connecting with people in our community can help, however it is important to seek professional help if things are not improving.”
The ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ are: Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Take Notice and Give:
If you or someone you know is in distress or crisis, you can call Lifeline and speak to a trained counsellor 24/7. Call 0808 808 8000 or to find out more or visit www.lifelinehelpline.info If you or someone else is in immediate danger of suicide or you require urgent medical attention, call 999.
Further information on how to improve your mental health and a list of services that can provide mental health support is also available at www.mindingyourhead.info/Take5. For the Southern Trust’s interactive support Protecting Your Mental Health | Southern Health & Social Care Trust