Portadown Wellness Centre aims to meet soaring rise in need for mental health support

The need for services at the centre is continually rising, especially against a backdrop of increased pressure for mental health support across Northern Ireland.

Alan McDowell, who founded Portadown Wellness Centre five years ago, said: “In 2023, Mental Health Northern Ireland reported a staggering 16,000 individuals on waiting lists, with over half enduring prolonged wait times beyond the target nine to 13 weeks to access mental health services, compounding this issue, mental health funding in Northern Ireland is currently at its lowest, intensifying the challenges.”

He highlighted that mental health problems constitute the primary cause of ill health and disability in Northern Ireland.

"Early adversity, trauma, poverty and exposure to violence are indicators affecting mental health with the ‘Troubles’ conflict contributing to elevated poor mental health levels.

"A report by the Mental Health Foundation and the Office of the Mental Health Champion reveals that one in five adults and one in eight children in Northern Ireland are likely have a mental illness. The Northern Ireland study of Health and Stress reports that 60% of respondents experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

"Disturbingly, suicide rates in the ABC Borough, including Portadown, increased from 14 in 2018 to 20 in 2020. Notably, Craigavon DEA has the highest crude suicide death rate (20 per 100,000) in ABC from 2014-2018, surpassing the NI average,” Alan said.

"Northern Ireland leads in suicide rates, particularly among males, young adults and in areas of higher deprivation. Other alarming statistics include Northern Ireland having the highest rates of self-harm incidence and annual presentation in the UK, a 31% increase in hospital admissions due to self-harm over five years and higher antidepressant prescribing costs per capita than any other UK region.

"Considering Northern Ireland’s higher levels of deprivation and social needs, the health and social care system spends 7-16% less than England on health and social care.”

Portadown Wellness Centre receives an average of 30 weekly enquiries seeking counselling services, indicative of the pressure demand for accessible mental health support.

It also receives an average of 10 ‘high risk’ calls per month in which individuals are feeling suicidal.

Alan said the centre’s team is dedicated to enhancing services to meet increasing demand for mental health support. In 2023 they supported more than 3,900 people.

At present it offers a wide range of counselling services, available through face-to- face or online sessions.

It also hosts a variety of occupational and recreational therapy sessions as these have been widely recognised in helping people rebuild skills, improve mood, boost quality of life and strengthen social connections. A team of occupational therapists / facilitators from a range of specialist backgrounds host classes including woodwork, pottery and ceramics, arts and crafts, cookery, gardening, horticulture and yoga.

Through the art of creating or participating in an activity, people generally often find that they are not alone and enjoy shared experiences. This helps break down the stigma around mental health and participants can foster new, caring and supportive friendships.

At the heart of Portadown Wellness Centre is a dedicated and passionate commitment to providing mental health services to the community.

Goals for 2024 include a 20% increase in counselling services and a doubling of attendance in therapeutic classes. Also planned are new classes addressing needs identified through community feedback, such as classes tailored to the 18-24 male age group.

Its operational model has been exceptionally lean but with the need for expansion also comes a need for additional resources. A key focus in 2024 is building a robust team to handle governance and administration which will not only ensure the smooth functioning of the centre but also free up valuable time and resources of the founder and current manager.

The aim is that, with this support in place, the team can channel energy into creating and growing programmes that will have a lasting positive impact.

The growth required to meet the need also requires a transition from reliance on personal funds to accessing public and private sector funding.

"Continued funding is the lifeline of our centre’s growth,” said business development manager Linda Robinson.

"Alan McDowell’s substantial investment has been instrumental, but moving forward, we recognise the imperative to diversify our funding sources. As the demand for our services escalates, securing public and private sector funding becomes not just an option, but a necessity. In the absence of such support, our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community would be severely constrained.

"While financial support is critical, community backing is equally vital. Our goal is to extend our reach further and provide emotional support to more individuals. We will continue to foster collaborative relationships with key organisations including PHA, ABC Council, PSNI, GPs and hospitals.”

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The centre’s outreach team has visited businesses within the area and supported over 495 employees through mental health seminars.

More than 600 individuals have attended community wellbeing and educational seminars where the outreach team focused on sports clubs, encouraging young people to learn about mental health.

The centre also continues to distribute free food to local individuals, families and schools.

The centre’s support has had a profound impact on the lives of many people finding life tough.

One person explained how the centre had helped them immensely.

"Two months ago I sat on a chair at Portadown Wellness Centre and told them that I attempted to take my own life. I called two organisations for support, but the phone rang out. Portadown Wellness Centre answered on first call. The compassion and empathy shown is like nothing I have ever experienced. Alan, the founder, straight away got me linked up with my therapist. He understood where I was coming from. I honestly don’t know where I would be without them. I am undergoing weekly therapy…. I’ve a road ahead but I’m in a much better place.”