We need a Multimedia Volunteer

29 August, 2017

Do you have skills in making and editing videos for online content? Are you good with a camera? Could you help us to tell our story online? CAUSE is in the process of developing a new website and we need a Multimedia volunteer to help us put together new video and photographic content for it. We understand the role video and pictures can play in helping us reach our audience but we need someone to come and help us develop the content and make it accessible for those carers upon whom mental illness has seriously impacted - we have all the kit we just need the person!

We are recruiting!

19 July, 2017

CAUSE are looking for 3 part-time Carer Advocates (fixed term maternity leave cover)

Vote for CAUSE as Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year

14 June, 2017

CAUSE has been shortlisted for Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year at 5 of their stores across Northern Ireland: Bangor County Down - Craigavon - Holywood Exchange - Newry - West Belfast You can VOTE for all 5 stores - not just the one local to you!

Quiz for CAUSE

18 January, 2017

An evening of fun and games guaranteed! Please support by bringing a team of family, friends or colleagues!

Could you or a team of friends, family or colleagues take on The Kube

18 January, 2017

Based on the popular TV series we are looking for contestants to take part. With no training required you can enter as an individual player or as a team (up to 6 players). Each contestant must raise a minimum of £300. Get your company or workplace to match fund your efforts so you only have to raise £150 yourself and they help you raise the balance. This will be a great night out for colleagues, friends and families with lots of fun challenges to take part in. This high energy event will entertain your supporters and WOW some of them who may even get a chance to have a go in The Kube and win a spot prize. When the champion has been crowned, contestants and guests can then dance the remainder of night away! The top fundraiser of each event automatically gets a bye into the final round on the night .

Call for support on World Mental Health Day

07 October, 2016

This World Mental Health Day (10 October) Together For You, a partnership of nine leading mental health charities, are asking the public to support their call for a Mental Health Champion in Northern Ireland.

Mental health Issues in the community

15 September, 2016

Retired pyschiatrist, Dr Stephen Critchlow from Belfast wishes to use his experience to engage members of the public with mental health issues from both psychiatric and spiritual perspectives

Strictly For Cause 2016

05 September, 2016

With Strictly Come Dancing back on our screens - the class of Strictly for CAUSE 2016 has taken to the dancefloor!

Together For You reaches 52,000 beneficiaries

28 June, 2016

At a conference last week CAUSE along with eight other leading mental health charities celebrated the achievement of reaching over 52,000 beneficiaries with mental health services through the Together For You Project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund NI. All at a cost of just £52 per head. The conference was opened by Minister of Health, Ms Michelle O’Neill who said: "Championing mental health is one of my main priorities."

We need you this Carers Week!

24 May, 2016

Here is one way you can get involved this Carers Week and support a great CAUSE! Help us bag pack at Sainsbury's at Forestside on Wednesday 8 or Thursday 9 June. To sign up call Verity on 90650650 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

You Strictly must!

24 May, 2016

We are now recruiting for this year's Strictly for CAUSE!

Care to help CAUSE

20 April, 2016

Can you help coordinate cans for CAUSE in your local area?

Who Dunnit?

14 April, 2016

Come along and support this fun-filled murder mystery evening of song, dance and sleuthing!

Lord Crisp report on acute psychiatric care for adults in England published

09 February, 2016

The The Commission to review the provision of acute inpatient psychiatric care for adults published its first report on mental health services in England. The report, led by former chief executive of NHS England, Lord Nigel Crisp, said access to acute care for severely ill adult mental health patients was inadequate nationally and, in some cases, potentially dangerous. Very specific recommendations were also made about the role of carers and need for increased involvement with carers in care planning and the delivery of care.

Former All Black rugby player headlines at Gala Ball on World Mental Health Day!

10 September, 2015

Brent Pope, former New Zealand rugby player, professional coach and RTE rugby pundit will be attending our forthcoming 20th Birthday Gala Ball and giving the guests his forecast for this year's Rugby World Cup. An avid charity worker, he is an ambassador and spokesperson for many mental health charities and organisations after his own struggles with mental health. He has also published 7 children's books and a best selling autobiography entitled "If you really knew me". ​Everyone at CAUSE is delighted that Brent will be attending this fabulous gala evening on World Mental Health Day - Saturday 10th October 2015 at Titanic, Belfast. An incredible evening of fine dining, dancing and fundraising activities inside the prestigious Titanic Building is guaranteed - a drinks reception in the Atrium to the sounds of The Martello Jazz Band, a magnificent 4 course meal, dancing to the sounds of James Huish and the fun of a fabulous auction and raffle and some mystery guests - a great night for friends, clients and colleagues!

Together For You Project Second Shared Learning Event

19 June, 2015

​Since its launch in October 2013, Together For You, a partnership project funded by the Big Lottery Fund, has reached over 24,000 individuals in Northern Ireland with their mental health services.

Click for CAUSE

11 June, 2015

If you shop online here is a great way to support CAUSE at no extra cost to you

CAUSE Carer Appreciation Awards 2015

29 May, 2015

As part of Gala Ball on World Mental Health Day 2015, we want to also celebrate professionals who have made a positive difference to you as a carer supporting your loved one’s recovery. Recognising outstanding individuals is as an important part of promoting best practice of working with families/carers.

Happy 20th Birthday CAUSE!

29 April, 2015

Monday 20th April 2015 saw the official launch of CAUSE’s birthday year. In fact it was on this day 20 years that CAUSE was formed. Maire Grattan (CAUSE CEO) along with Chair of the Board, May McCann, former Chair and long supporter Maureen McParland was joined at Titanic in Belfast by Matt Higgins from HHD Solicitors our new charity partner and one of our new ambassadors TV personality Adrian Logan. ​Throughout the year we have planned many fun ‘birthday’ events in which everyone can get involved but perhaps the most exciting will be our CAUSE 20th Birthday Gala Ball on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10th October 2015.

New Charity Partner

31 March, 2015

We're delighted to announce that HHD solicitors has chosen CAUSE as their 2015 and 2016 charity of the year.

Together For You Project

05 December, 2014

Together For You is an innovative project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, aimed at delivering mental health and well being services to a range of people across Northern Ireland in a joined-up way.

New report on the Human Rights of Carers launched on Carers Rights Day 2014

28 November, 2014

On Carers Rights Day 2014, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission & Carers NI have launched a new report “The Human Rights of Carers”. The report examines the lived experiences of carers in Northern Ireland and how their caring responsibility impacts on their enjoyment of rights.

CAUSE sports quiz, 10th October 2014 postponed - new date for early 2015

09 October, 2014

Due to some teams having unexpectedly to pull out very close to our planned event Friday 10th October, we are postponing our Brain & Brawn sports quiz challenge. We have notified other teams and we are all looking forward to rescheduling a date for our quiz early 2015 which is also CAUSE's 20th anniversary! We will be letting you all know soon our new date, watch this space!

NI Mental Health Arts & Film Festival

08 September, 2014

CAUSE, as part of its World Mental Health Day activities, is supporting the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts and Film Festival.

Together For You Shared Learning Event

03 September, 2014

On Tuesday 2 September 2014, Together For You hosted its first annual shared learning event on mental health and wellbeing. Together For You is a partnership project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, aimed at delivering mental health and wellbeing services to a range of people across Northern Ireland. ​Led by Action Mental Health (AMH), services are delivered in partnership with Aware Defeat Depression, CAUSE, CRUSE, MindWise, Nexus, PraxisCare, Relate NI and The Rainbow Project.

Training Courses in September 2014

29 August, 2014

Click on the above to view our exciting new courses for carers as part of the Together For You project funded by the Big Lottery

Mental Capacity Bill Explained - new briefing from the Law Centre NI

31 July, 2014

The Law Centre believes it is important that all stakeholders engage with the consultation but we are aware that it is a complex piece of legislation. To this effect, the Law Centre have put together an information briefing, The Mental Capacity Bill Explained, to clarify the core civil provisions of the Bill.

Advocacy Network Northern Ireland (ANNI) creates a new Code of Practice for Independent Advocates

29 July, 2014

The Advocacy Network Northern Ireland (ANNI) (of which CAUSE is a member), launched the Code of Practice for Independent Advocacy for NI. Paul McFall, Chair of ANNI outlines the purpose of the code: 'The overall aim is to raise the quality of experience for those who engage with advocacy services and to provide clarity around the roles and expectations for all those who come into contact with independent advocacy services in Northern Ireland.'

Click for CAUSE

02 July, 2014

Each time you click on a search engine on the internet - you could be raising funds for CAUSE

Stormont departments seek views on new mental capacity law with events for the public

16 June, 2014

Five public meetings have been organised across Northern Ireland to help raise awareness of the proposed Mental Capacity Bill and get feedback from local people. The Bill covers decisions about things such as helping to wash and dress a person, depriving a person of their liberty for their care or treatment, spending the person’s money to, for example, buy groceries or pay household bills and other decisions relating to a person’s financial and property affairs.

Together For You Project

10 June, 2014

Under the Together For You Project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, CAUSE are part of a consortium offering services working towards improving mental wellbeing for everyone.

Happy Volunteers Week

04 June, 2014

June 1st – 7th is Volunteers’ Week which is a national campaign celebrated across the UK each year and this year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary in Northern Ireland.

Happy Volunteers Week

04 June, 2014

June 1st – 7th is Volunteers’ Week which is a national campaign celebrated across the UK each year and this year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary in Northern Ireland.

Mental health services urgently needed in NI says report

21 January, 2014

CAUSE has worked with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, service users and our colleagues in other leading mental health charities to profile mental health service issues in NI working together to produce the report 'Recovery for People with Severe Mental Health Problems in NI'. See this BBC report on the collaborative policy briefing led by the Faculty of Rehabilitation and Social Psychiatry in NI.

Strictly for CAUSE 2013 fundraisers dance to success!

28 November, 2013

The Holiday Inn, on Saturday 16th November was also a washed with sparkling lycra, overcooked tans and nearly 400 fans supporting their favourite couples dancing to raise money for CAUSE. With dedicated lessons for only 9 weeks given by Debbie & Michelle of Ballroom Blitz NI, the couples were given the perfect opportunity to take to the dance floor with their allocated partner to learn and develop new skills in the art of ballroom and latin genre.

Patient and Client Experience Annual Report 2012-2013 just published

28 November, 2013

The Patient and Client Experience Annual Report 2012-13 provides an analysis of the patient and client monitoring including evidence-based statements from patients; highlights areas of good practice within each of the HSC (Health and Social Care) Trusts and outlines areas where further improvements are required to enhance the experience of patients and clients.

Royal College of Psychiatrists looking for carer volunteers

15 November, 2013

The Royal Collecge of Psychaitrists is looking for volunteers from Northern Ireland to join the Service Users and Carers Fora in London and the Joint Committee of Service Users, Carers and Psychiatrists In Northern Ireland. Applications are invited from individuals who have personal experience of using mental health services, or of caring for someone with mental ill health. The College has a long history of service user and carer involvement. The Fora ensure that all College activities are informed by the experience of service users and carers. The volunteers will be expected to attend 4 meetings in London and 4 meetings in Belfast per year. Travel and subsistence payments will be made.

CAUSE Carers Manifesto Transforming Our Care now live online!

11 November, 2013

Supporting families, friends and partners caring for loved ones experiencing serious mental illness. We know that health and social care services are changing radically. With an increased emphasis on 'home is the hub' of treatment under Transforming Your Care, (TYC). There is however a growing concern that under TYC pressures on carers will also increase. Serious mental illness can result in significant life changes for everyone close to it. If the care we provide as families, partners and friends is to be recognised, valued and supported under Transforming Your Care, then this is what we want to happen.

CAUSE vacancies - recruiting for a new Together For You project team!

24 October, 2013

We are currently recruiting for three new posts to deliver on an training and advocacy support for carers. These are: - Training and Development Officer (full-time) - Carer Advocate (full-time) - Administrative Assistant (part-time) All posts are Belfast based and involve travel to different areas.

CAUSE part of winning consoritum receiving £3 million Big Lottery boost to promote mental health

07 October, 2013

A consortium of Northern Ireland organisations has been awarded a major Lottery contract to promote positive mental health in Northern Ireland. The Big Lottery Fund has awarded a contract worth £3 million to the Together for You partnership, which for the first time brings together the services of eight support organisations under a joint banner. The project which is being led by Action Mental Health (AMH) in association with Aware Defeat Depression, CAUSE, CRUSE, MindWise, Nexus, PraxisCare and Relate NI, will promote mental health and well being in Northern Ireland and provide a range of services in new and innovative ways.

Study Title: Social Inclusion and People Living with Schizophrenia survey for EU research

29 July, 2013

this survey is for THE CARERS of people living with schizophrenia. The study is part of a range of activities that the Swiss pharmaceutical company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, is undertaking with patient organisations. The study DOES NOT look at treatment or the effects of treatment for schizophrenia, but instead aims to identify some of the challenges faced by people who are affected by schizophrenia—particularly the challenge of being ‘socially included’ in society. The intention is to find out how healthcare policy can improve, and present this information to policymakers. Who is managing this survey? PatientView is managing this survey on behalf of Roche. PatientView is a UK research organisation that works closely with patient groups, and publicises the patient movement. Anonymity Everyone who takes part in this survey will be completely ANONYMOUS, and no IP addresses will be collected by the survey managers.

Focus on mental capacity legislation in NI in the latest Law Centre NI Frontline 88 edition

23 July, 2013

In the summer 2013 edition, Frontline 88 have a specific focus on the new and major changes underway in developing a single bill for mental capacity legislation. What do proposed changes mean? CAUSE have provided specific commentary from a carer's perspective for this edition's focus. See pages 14 - 20 for commentary on the capacity legislation. ​To read this edition click on this link: http://www.lawcentreni.org/Publications/Frontline/Frontline-88.pdf

Shocking statistics on levels of child poverty in NI

23 July, 2013

Child Poverty Action Group has published estimates of the costs to the economy and government generated by child poverty rates in every Northern Ireland Parliamentary constituency. This is part of a wider exercise covering local authorities and MP constituencies throughout the United Kingdom. The estimates, produced by Donald Hirsch of Loughborough University, are contained in a new report on how local authorities are trying to tackle child poverty at a time of social security cuts and upheaval. The report, Local Authorities and Child Poverty: Balancing Threats with Opportunities, is aimed at helping local authorities fulfil their obligations under the Child Poverty Act to implement effective local child poverty strategies.

‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ audit report just published!  Our thoughts on mental health services

27 June, 2013

A new report just published highlights the views of those who use and access our mental health services in N.Ireland. Over 700 people, including both service users and carers, responded to the regional audit which was undertaken over a four month time frame from August to October 2012. The audit was undertaken to provide information about people’s experience of mental health care – this included both care provided by primary care and also by hospital/community mental health teams. To get a copy of this report yet to go online, please email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we can forward you the current PDF until this goes online on the GAIN or PHA website.

British Institute of Human Rights launches mental health advocacy and human rights guide

10 June, 2013

BIHR is pleased to launch Mental Health Advocacy and Human Rights: Your Guide, our latest practical resource to help respect and protect the human rights of people with mental health problems. This guide has been produced with Mind Brighton and Hove, Wish and NSUN, three of the partner organisations involved in our Human Rights in Healthcare project. ​Aimed at both advocates and people who use services, this handy guide explains how the Human Rights Act can be used in mental health settings to secure better treatment and care for people. It draws on real life stories of how laws and legal cases can be used in everyday advocacy practice, providing helpful flow-charts, worked through examples and top tips. Access the guide by clicking on this link: http://www.bihr.org.uk/sites/default/files/BIHR_mentalHealth%20Guide_WEB.pdf

Prepared to Care report out for Carers Week 10th - 16th June 2013

10 June, 2013

In preparation for this year’s Carers Week, a group of charities set out to explore how much, as society, we are Prepared to Care? Through an online survey, the UK’s carers were asked to share the impact that caring had had on their lives and their experiences of gaining support from professionals and services. The following report, Prepared to Care? Exploring the impact of caring on people’s lives, shares the personal accounts of carers as they discuss the realities of caring for a family member or friend.

Meet the Fundraiser

02 August, 2012

Many thanks to you all for making me feel so welcomed. I have been spending the past several weeks developing a fundraising strategy which I hope will help CAUSE realise its ambitions and goals for the years ahead. Fundraising has never been more competitive or difficult as it is today however if everyone supports fundraising in any way they can, we will definitely raise CAUSE’s profile, recruit much needed support and in turn generate the much needed funds!

Bag Packing

02 August, 2012

We need volunteers to help on the follow days bag packing. If you can spare 2 hours, please let us know asap!

Lace up your trainers for CAUSE!

14 March, 2012

It’s that time of year again! Belfast City Marathon takes place Monday 7th May and the CAUSE Events Committee is on the case!

Whether you are running the full marathon, walking, doing a team relay or taking part in the family fun run why not fundraise for CAUSE?

CAUSE UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS

07 February, 2011

Sainsburys Bag Pack

We have been lucky enough to secure a day for a bag pack at Sainsburys in Forestside on 24th February 2011. We need extra volunteers to make this event a success so if you would be able to spare a couple of hours please, please contact Head Office.

Patient and Client Council

05 October, 2010

Anyone who would like to have a say in developing priorities for their local health and social care services is welcome to come along to one of the following workshops. 

Carers Week

01 May, 2010

Carers Week 2009 ran from Monday 8th until Sunday 14thJune.

Night At The Races for CAUSE

04 March, 2010

CAUSE is organising a ‘Night at the Races’ - sponsored by DHL (NI) - at Madison’s Hotel, Botanic Avenue, Belfast on Friday 26th March. 

Make a Marathon effort for CAUSE in 2010

03 March, 2010

2010’s Belfast City Marathon is on Monday 3rd May and, with the event now less than 2 months away, CAUSE is asking supporters to consider taking part in one of the events.