Extern Communities in Transition

To mark World Su***de Prevention Day our men's group had Fresh Minds Education Connections Link Life Su***de Awareness delivered by none other than Jim Weir!

That's another 8 men in our local community trained to spot the signs of su***de, given the confidence to ask about su***de and have information on what services can help someone who is feeling suicidal.

Thank you to Jim for delivering the course in a sensitive and interactive way for the guys who were made to feel comfortable to share their own experiences and come together to learn more about su***de 😊

Join us for World Su***de Prevention day as we focus on the crucial importance of preventing su***de and supporting those who are struggling .

This year we embrace the theme Changing the narrative on su***de, aiming to transform how we discuss and understand su***de.

We are hosting an event. On September 7th ‘Conversations of Hope’ with a lineup of guest speakers who will share their personal stories!❤️

Follow the link for further information https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/world-su***de-prevention-day-event-conversations-of-hope-tickets-943361478577?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

Catch of the day 🎣🐟

Some of our men's group were out fishing earlier in the sea... We even had a re-enactment of the Titanic - the song... not the sinking!

Great craic with the group earlier and we luckily had fantastic weather to go out in 🌞

The mens group had the fire service in last night to discuss fire prevention and staying safe at home. Some great learning and conversations taking place at this.

Due to a camera malfunction the photos taken of the group with the firemen unfortunately didn't take so we'll have to settle for this photo of the booklets! 😅

Last night the men's group tried our hand at the driving range 🏌️⛳

Some fantastic shots with a few almost striking overhead planes and other shots that rolled a few feet 👀✈️😂

Great fun had by all for sure and definitely an experience!

✅ 11 mile walk
✅ Food halfway at Crawfordsburn
✅ Everyone back safe
✅ Craic and laughter the whole way

Sure what else would you be at on a Friday 😎👣

A massive thank you to Rab who last night came to donate £480 from fundraising by walking 33km in the Mournes Wall Challenge!

Rab has been involved with our men's group from the beginning and has previously completed another fundraiser for the group through the hiking he does with Salute . We also heard some of the brilliant walks/hikes this group does and so definitely check them out if you're interested in a challenge 😊

Fundraising like this allows our men's group to access training such as first aid, acupuncture, su***de prevention and many more! It also allows the group to take part in activities such as axe throwing and mini golf.

Our group continues to be an open space for men to find a like-minded community of men who want to build friendships, share their experiences, give/receive support and of course have a laugh together.

A massive thanks to Rab for the work he has done and to all those who donated to this cause! 👏👏

Yesterday we welcome some new walkers as we completed one of our older walks! 👣

We were delighted to be joined by walkers from Larne as well as walkers from our Homeless Support Project.

This week's walk done! ✅

Next week we will be meeting at Belvoir Forest Park at 11am for a walk through the forest and a stop at the Lough Keepers Cafe for lunch 😊 new walkers are always welcome for those who want to get active, connect with others and spend time outside in nature.

One of the men from our men's group recently trained in acupuncture and so the guys were only too happy to get some acupuncture tonight!

Plenty of laughs, connections and support amongst the group tonight 😊

If you're man in and around the Shankill area why not call in and visit some Thursday night at 7pm in New Life City Church

Today's walking group took on Cavehill from Belfast Castle - halfway up we remembered why we hadn't done this route for a year! 👣

Some walking, climbing, crawling and laughter got us to the top and the promise of a trip to the café got us down even faster! ☕🍽️

We walk every Friday morning - if you'd like to join us to get active, meet new people and connect with nature why not join us?

Contact Calli: 07442530576 for more info or to sign up 😊

Last week our men's group had neighbourhood officers in visiting our men's group to talk about safety in the home and scam awareness.

Great conversations with everyone involved and helping to build positive relationships within our community 😊

We meet every Thursday at 7pm at New Life City Church and continue to do a range of health, wellbeing, social and community activities each week 😊

Rise and stretch!

Start your day with a gentle morning stretch routine to awaken your body and mind.

Remember, movement doesn't have to be intense to be beneficial. Incorporating simple stretches into your morning routine can make a significant difference in how you feel physically and mentally throughout the day.

So rise, stretch, and embrace the positive impact of movement on your well-being

It's Mental Health Awareness Week!

Let's start by recognising the power of movement in boosting our mental well-being.

Share with us your favourite way to move for better mental health.

We're thrilled to be part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) with the theme of movement! 💪 This year, let's explore how movement can boost our mental health.

Join us in discovering the benefits of staying active. Check out these inspiring ideas for keeping moving and nurturing your well-being!

Let's make strides towards better mental health together!

🚨 Today is Grand National Day, but let's not overlook the risks associated with gambling. 🎲

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. Reach out to Extern Problem Gambling for support at www.problemgambling.ie or call +44892415401.

You're not alone.

Last night our men's group was visited by some of the neighbourhood policing team for a talk on how to spot a scam and avoid being victim to this.

Thanks to the local officers who facilitated this talk, answered all of our questions and shared some great tips with us 😊

🌟 It's Stress Awareness Month! 🌟

Let's kick off this month with a commitment to self-care and mindfulness. Join us in this "One Day at a Time: Daily Wellness Challenge" as we embrace the theme . 🌱✨

Small steps lead to big changes, and together, we'll discover the power of tiny positive actions on our overall well-being. Take on the challenge and prioritize your mental health, one day at a time.

Are you ready? Let's do this!

Another week, another walk 👣

This time one of our community champions led our group, and we even had two new walkers also joining us this week!

Great craic as always and yes a few off trail paths selected resulting in some white shoes being no longer white 😂

We walk every Friday along with staff from Extern's Crisis and Wellbeing Support 😊

🎓 Today is University Mental Health Day! 🧠

Let's take a moment to recognise the importance of mental health awareness and support within our university community.

Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff, we all play a role in creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

If you're struggling, please remember that you're not alone. There are resources available to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing. 💬

👉 For advice and support, check out this link:

Looking after your mental health at University Get tips and advice on how you can manage your own mental and emotional wellbeing whilst studying at university.

Last week our men's group had Nichola from National Energy Action down to talk about energy efficiency at home including tips on how to save money and how our homes can affect our health.

Really informative talk and great engagement with the group 😊

We meet every Thursday at New Life City Church from 7pm-9pm for any men who want to make new connections, learn new things or share their own experience 😊

Did you know that practicing self-care is not only important for you but also for your children's mental health?

By guiding your child in practicing self-care, you're equipping them with valuable skills for managing their mental and emotional health throughout life.

Here's some great tips to help your child practice self-care.

The one where we threw axes... 🎯 🪓

Last night our men's group took a turn at throwing axes - brilliant night had by all, great competition and banter throughout 😊

🎄🌟 Spread Joy this Festive Season with Extern's Tree of Hope! 🌟🎁

Let's brighten someone's Christmas! Your support can make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and hardship this festive season.

🎁🤝 Donate today and help us create hope-filled moments:
https://bit.ly/tree-of-hope

Every contribution, big or small, helps us spread warmth and joy to those in need.

Let's come together and make this season extra special for everyone! 🎅✨

That's a wrap! 🎁🌲

Last night our men's group visited the Greater Shankill Toy Appeal to help pack toys for local families and children this Christmas! The appeal has so far given out toys to almost 300 children in the community and they are still working hard to pack more and deliver more toys to children in the run up to Christmas! 👏

Now we are taking a much needed break to rest and recharge for the New Year! Merry Christmas all! 😁

Christmas dinner with our men's group and some of the men from New Life City Church. Fantastic food, games and craic!

Brilliant job to all those involved in making this come together and the guys all had a great time 😊

🎄🌟 Spread Joy this Festive Season with Extern's Tree of Hope! 🌟🎁

Let's brighten someone's Christmas! Your support can make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and hardship this festive season.

🎁🤝 Donate today and help us create hope-filled moments:
https://pulse.ly/g7dmjmrphw

Every contribution, big or small, helps us spread warmth and joy to those in need.

Let's come together and make this season extra special for everyone! 🎅✨

Testing who's the most competitive last night at the men's group 😂

Uno was a favourite... Dobble was chaos!

But all good fun and definitely good craic for all - welcome also to our 2x new members who were involved last night 😊