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The Mental Help Movement

Mental health awareness. Education. Connection. Change.

We believe everyone deserves access to mental health awareness, education and support, regardless of their circumstances. We deliver training in workplaces across Belfast and Northern Ireland, and that work helps fund free sessions in local communities.

Michael presenting to a full lecture theatre of nursing students at Belfast Met's Titanic Campus
Pathways to Nursing, Belfast Met Titanic Campus

Every workplace session helps fund free mental health education in communities.

Access to mental health education shouldn't depend on someone's ability to pay for it. Poverty is a key driver of poor mental health, so income from our workplace services goes back into areas that need it most. When your organisation books with us, you're funding that work too.

  1. An organisation books training

    Tailored awareness sessions for staff, or our programme for managers and leaders.

  2. That income funds community work

    It creates opportunities to deliver free sessions, education and interventions locally.

  3. Communities get support, free

    Schools, youth organisations, community groups and charities in areas of social deprivation.

Michael leading a mental health workshop with staff at Kainos

Who we are

The Mental Help Movement is a Belfast-based mental health awareness, education and training initiative with a clear purpose: making a positive difference in communities and workplaces.

We deliver engaging, practical and relatable sessions that encourage meaningful conversations and give people the confidence to make a difference. We exist to make mental health conversations more accessible, break down stigma, and help people support themselves and others.

We believe in health promotion, and that mental health support shouldn't be limited to clinical settings. Sometimes the most meaningful interventions start with a conversation, a connection, or simply having more information.

What we do

Mental health training for organisations across Northern Ireland, and for the people who lead them. Every booking helps pay for our free community work.

Recently delivered for

  • Royal College of Nursing
  • Belfast Met, Titanic Campus
  • Kainos
  • Men's Cavehill Walking Club

For businesses, organisations and their teams

Mental health awareness and wellbeing training

Practical, engaging sessions designed to improve mental health awareness, encourage open conversations and give employees the tools to look after their wellbeing.

Covers stigma, early intervention, recognising the signs, stress, social connection and knowing where to get support. Sessions can be tailored to your organisation.

See what the training covers

For managers, supervisors and leadership teams

Mental health for leaders

A dedicated programme exploring the relationship between effective leadership and the psychological wellbeing of teams.

Covers emotional intelligence, self-awareness, psychological safety, team dynamics and having meaningful conversations about mental health.

See the leaders programme
Michael McMurtry speaking at a lectern

Meet the founder

Michael McMurtry

A Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 12 years of military experience, including operational leadership and training people in challenging environments.

  • First-Class Honours, Mental Health Nursing
  • PgCert, Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
  • Diploma in Leadership and Management, CMI

He set up The Mental Help Movement so that paid workplace training could fund what matters most to him: free mental health education in communities.

Read Michael's story
A community group gathered for a mental health talk in a traditional function room

At the heart of what we do

Free mental health education for communities

Paid for by our workplace training, and free to the people who need it most.

Access to mental health education shouldn't depend on someone's ability to pay for it. Poverty is a key driver of poor mental health here, so our community work targets areas of social deprivation. This is about providing a free and important service to people who need it.

To make mental health awareness and education accessible to everyone.

We want to bridge the gap between professional mental health knowledge and everyday life, bringing practical education into workplaces and communities. Our ambition is simple: create opportunities for connection, encourage conversations, challenge stigma and make a positive difference.

Our aims

  • Make mental health education more accessible
  • Create healthier, more supportive workplaces
  • Help leaders support the wellbeing of their teams
  • Challenge stigma and encourage open conversations
  • Support grassroots community mental health initiatives
  • Deliver free mental health education to groups and communities who may otherwise have limited access

Real experiences. Real conversations. Real impact.

Michael presenting to the Men's Cavehill Walking Club
“I see presentations all the time. Last night was exceptional. Personal, authentic and involving. It takes a safe space and trust to open up on this subject.”
ChristianMen's Cavehill Walking Club
Kainos staff listening during a mental health session
“Michael brings knowledge, lived experience, honesty and relatability together in a way that makes a real difference.”
AbdulKainos
Nursing students at a Royal College of Nursing event, with Michael at the lectern
“Your presentation was just fabulous… They definitely felt the passion that you have for mental health nursing.”
RosalineRoyal College of Nursing

Let's start a conversation

Whether you're an organisation looking to invest in workplace mental health, a community group interested in working together, or simply want to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.

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Please don't include personal health details. We'll only use what you send to reply to you. Read our privacy notice.

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