Extern's Crisis and Wellbeing Support

31/10/2025

Last week we welcomed GCE Health and Social Care students at Belfast Met enjoyed an educational and experiential day exploring the world of holistic health. Students had the chance to experience hand massage, aromatherapy, and auricular acupuncture, gaining hands-on insight into how these therapies support wellbeing and person-centred care.

A big thank you to everyone who made the day such a relaxing and enriching experience

27/10/2025

We’re keeping things a bit quieter this week with reduced activities — but please remember, we’re still here if you need us.

If you’re finding things tough or just need a chat, our Crisis Drop-In is open today from 10:30am.
You don’t have to face things alone — pop in, have a cuppa, and talk it through

23/10/2025

Today Extern's Communities in Transition project facilitated a reflective workshop at Fall's Women's Centre the older women's group — I Was, I Am, I Will.

Together, we took time to pause and look inward — reflecting on the experiences that have shaped who we were, celebrating who we are today, and setting gentle intentions for who we are becoming.

Each woman created a beautiful individual mosaic mirror — a piece that not only reflects their image, but also their strength, and growth.

We closed the session with a calming breathwork practice to promote relaxation, self-awareness, and mindfulness — a peaceful way to ground ourselves and end our time together.

It was such a powerful reminder that we are all ever-evolving, whole, and worthy just as we are.

23/10/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Wellbeing Day organised by the Belfast Trust for the amazing social workers & social care workers.

It was a fantastic day filled with relaxation, connection, and appreciation for all the incredible work the teams do every day. From mindfulness sessions to wellbeing workshops — and plenty of smiles & conversations in between — it truly was a day to recharge and celebrate the incredible work being delivered.

23/10/2025

Extern Crisis Team are delighted to offer FREE SafeTALK training!!

SafeTALK is designed to help you recognise when someone might be thinking about suicide and connect them to lifesaving support. In just a few hours participants learn how to identify signs, engage in open conversation, and refer at risk individuals to professional help. The program empowers communities to become suicide alert and play a vital role in prevention by encouraging, open, honest dialogue and timely action,

Please fill out the registration form for safeTALK taking place on 6th November at the Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road from 11am to 2:30pm. If you have been allocated a place, a member of staff will email you.

https://forms.office.com/e/LYqreA34uV?origin=lprLink

22/10/2025

Our amazing volunteers were at Parents’ Week in Shankill Leisure Centre today!

They had a stand set up to help raise awareness about mental health and suicide, and to chat with people about the support that’s out there.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, it’s so important to keep these conversations going.

22/10/2025

Would You Like to Join Our FREE Therapeutic Photography Sessions?

Are you looking for a creative and calming way to express yourself, connect with others, and explore the world around you, all through the lens of a camera?

We’re offering FREE Therapeutic Photography Sessions, and we’d love for you to be part of it!

What is therapeutic photography?
It’s not about technical skills or fancy equipment, it’s about using photography as a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re capturing moments of beauty, telling your personal story, or simply enjoying the creative process, photography can be incredibly healing.

Who can join?
Everyone is welcome! No experience needed. We provide the camera.

If you’d like to find out more, please contact Sophie on 077442619793

21/10/2025

Extern Walkers are meeting:
📅 Friday 24th October
⏰ 11am
🗺️ Ravine NI, knockbracken healthcare park, bt8 8sg

Everyone welcome!
If you’re interested in joining us contact Sophie 07442619793

21/10/2025

Our SAFE (Suicide Aftercare for Everyone) Project was at Stormont today for the All-Party Group on Suicide Prevention, led by Órlaithí Flynn MLA.

The focus? Suicide prevention and postvention, making sure people in crisis get help fast, and that families affected by suicide aren’t left to cope alone.

For anyone grieving a suicide loss, our peer support group offers a safe, confidential space to share and connect with others who understand your pain.

Reach out to Calli on 07442530576 for more details.

20/10/2025

During Mental Health Week, we shared lots of videos on mental health, how to access our services, and we finished off with an all-staff music video!
Here are a few of the bits that didn’t quite make the final cut… I wonder why! 🤣🤣

20/10/2025

This week at the Falls Women’s Centre, our Older Women’s Group took part in the fifth Wellbeing Workshop, facilitated by Extern’s Communities in Transition Project.

Our focus was on aromatherapy – exploring how different scents and essential oils can support relaxation, lift our moods, and improve mental and emotional wellbeing. The group enjoyed learning about the many health benefits of aromatherapy, and everyone had the chance to create their own personalised bath salts, balms, and oils to take home.

We finished the session with a beautifully calming meditation, leaving everyone feeling grounded, relaxed, and refreshed.

A big thank you to everyone who took part, your energy and openness made it such a special morning.

20/10/2025