AchieveNI

06/12/2025

Christmas isn't about the perfect tree or the perfect gift. It's a light in the darkness—especially in seasons of financial stress or the deep ache of missing a loved one.

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

It's about a family in a borrowed room. A child born in a stable. A story that starts in hardship and still offers hope.

This year, may the real gifts find you: peace when money is tight, memories when someone is missing, and love that asks for nothing in return.

If you're struggling this season in Northern Ireland, you're not alone. Here is help:

💸 Financial & Practical Support:

Advice NI: Free, independent advice on benefits, debt, and crisis support. Call 0800 915 4604 or visit adviceni.net.

Trussell Trust Foodbanks: Find your local food bank at trusselltrust.org/get-help.

Housing Rights: For housing crisis and homelessness prevention. Call 028 9024 5640 or visit housingrights.org.uk.

❤️🩹 Emotional Support & Bereavement:

Lifeline NI: 24/7 crisis counseling for anyone in distress. Call 0808 808 8000.

Cruse Bereavement Support NI: Specialized grief support. Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk/northern-ireland.

Samaritans: 24/7, free listening service. Call 116 123 for free from any phone.

You are seen, and you are loved this Christmas season. 🙏🕯️❤️🎄

05/12/2025

Do you ever feel overlooked?

Sometimes the loudest silence is the one between “how are you” and no one asking.

Silence isn't empty; it's full. Full of the unspoken answer waiting to be given, full of the hope for connection that went unnoticed, full of the echo of your own voice when you realise the question wasn't returned.

It speaks volumes about longing, about the spaces we occupy in each other's lives, and about the profound human need to be asked—because being asked means being remembered. It means someone is holding a door open for your truth to walk through.

14/11/2025

Don’t be fooled again! 🙏

Sign and share. Petition being debated on 8th December.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730194 🤡

We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.

31/08/2025

Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults training for pastoral leadership and volunteers at Rehoboth Church Belfast yesterday 🙏

21/05/2025

Outstanding The Belfast Boys' Model School 🙏❤️

18/04/2025

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christianity. It symbolizes divine love, as Jesus willingly suffered to redeem humanity from sin.

Christians observe this day with prayer, fasting, and church services, reflecting on His sacrifice. The somber atmosphere underscores the gravity of His death, yet it also carries hope—

His suffering paves the way for resurrection and eternal life.

The cross, central to Good Friday, represents both suffering and salvation. It reminds believers of forgiveness, mercy, and God’s boundless grace.

Though a day of mourning, it ultimately points to the triumph of love over death, preparing hearts for Easter’s joy.

“All Glory be to the Lord most High”

16/04/2025

Drug addiction is a growing crisis in Northern Ireland, damaging health, families, and communities.

The use of illegal drugs, prescription medication misuse, and alcohol dependency contribute to rising overdose deaths, mental health issues, and crime.

In 2022, Northern Ireland recorded its highest number of drug-related deaths, with opioids like he**in and synthetic drugs such as fentanyl posing severe risks.

Addiction strains healthcare services and increases homelessness, unemployment, and domestic violence.

Young people are particularly vulnerable, with cannabis and stimulant misuse affecting education and future prospects.

Criminal gangs exploit addiction, fueling violence and exploitation.

Efforts like addiction treatment programs, mental health support, and community education are vital.

Strengthening enforcement against drug trafficking while offering rehabilitation can help reduce harm.

Raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles are key to combating this devastating issue in Northern Ireland.

15/04/2025

School counselling in Northern Ireland provides vital mental health support to students, addressing issues like anxiety, bullying, and academic stress.

Delivered through schools and external agencies, these services aim to promote emotional well-being and resilience. AchieveNI counselling programmes, ensure trained professionals offer confidential, child-centred support.

Post-pandemic demand has increased, highlighting gaps in funding and accessibility, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

Initiatives like *Counselling in Schools* help, but long waiting lists remain a challenge.

Advocacy continues for better resources and early intervention to support young people’s mental health effectively across Northern Ireland’s education system.

AchieveNI founded by senior psychotherapist Mandy McDermott is a private counselling and training agency providing support services for nearly 20 years.

“Over the past 20 years, disadvantaged areas in Belfast, particularly in North and West Belfast, have faced persistent poverty, unemployment, and educational inequality. Sectarian divisions, paramilitary influence, and mental health crises remain challenges. Regeneration efforts have been slow, with high deprivation levels exacerbating crime and addiction issues, leaving communities struggling for sustainable development.”
Mandy McDermott MBACP reg. accred.

14/04/2025

Trusting in God strengthens mental health by providing comfort, purpose, and unshakable hope.

Believing in divine love and guidance reduces anxiety, as we release burdens through prayer and surrender.

Regular worship and scripture study renew the mind, replacing negative thoughts with truth and gratitude.

God's promise of peace (Philippians 4:7) anchors the soul during storms, while Christian fellowship offers support. Obedience to God's Word brings order to chaos, and serving others shifts focus from self to meaningful purpose.

By relying on God's strength, not our own, we develop resilience, joy, and the quiet confidence of being eternally held.

01/04/2025

🥰🥰

03/01/2025

Good morning!

I love this quote by C.S.Lewis ❤️.

It is so true, physical pain is something we usually can see and feel… like a broken arm, headache, aching tooth etc. Whereas the anguish and pain experienced psychologically is an invisible pain which can be experienced as torment.

Be kind to yourself, learn to love yourself, most importantly accept yourself… just as you are ❤️

My 2025 diary for new clients is now opened although I do have limited availability. If you wish to arrange an initial assessment please contact me to discuss further.

Have a blessed day!
Mandy 💕

24/12/2024

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas from all the team at AchieveNI. 💕💕