S.T.E.P.S. Mental Health (Suicide-Talking-Education-Prevention-Support)

Public benefits

The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of S.T.E.P.S. Mental Health include: 1) The breaking down of the stigma surrounding Suicide and Mental Health in a rural community who traditionally look after their own within the family. 2) A much more co-ordinated approach to the prevention of Suicide and raising awareness of Suicide and Mental

Health. 3.) A community working together to raise awareness of Suicide and Mental Health. The benefits are demonstrated through information on support around Suicide and Mental health now being in all public buildings and people being aware that there is help out there and how to access it. Due to STEPS Mental Health accessing free PHA training the community, tutors and members of the public are now trained in level 1 safe talk, level 2 Suicide awareness, Mental Health First Aid, ASSIST meaning we have a community much more skilled in Suicide awareness and intervention. Benefits are also demonstrated through the partnership working with our local GP and pharmacy they now trust that we run an ethical, safe and confidential service in which they can refer people. Further benefits are demonstrated through people now willing to talk about Suicide and Mental Health and the diverse range of people who attend class. In a rural community due to the stigma there is still a belief that if you talk about Suicide and Mental Health you cause it to happen but through education we tackle this myth. The beneficiaries are the local community of Draperstown/ Ballinascreen and surrounding areas. Some private benefits flowing from the purposes of STEPS Mental Health in that the organisation has brought lots of different training to the local community and for the committee which has led to an increase in skills and knowledge. This is however incidental and necessary to achieving the purposes of STEPS Mental Health. The only perceived harm flowing from the purposes of STEPS Mental Health is that in a rural community due to the stigma surrounding mental health, there is still a belief that if you talk about Suicide and Mental Health you cause it to happen. Through education however we tackle this myth.

What your organisation does

STEPS Mental Health run classes (Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Netball, Horticulture) on a weekly basis to encourage people to take time out for themselves and feel connected within their community. We also offer a confidential counselling service and a drop in once a week for people who need someone to talk to or who need information on support available.