LifemapsShining the light on mental health
Building positive mental health and wellbeing in young people is a crucial area of our work. Using the very best in youth work practices, we provide opportunities for self expression, discovery and appreciation in a safe and supportive environment.
LIFEMAPS is a mental health model, that harnesses valuable techniques in how to cope with the ups and downs of life. LIFEMAPS was developed by Simon Ward, education psychologist and Liz McArdle, YouthAction Northern Ireland.
Peer to peer learning: young people who train as LIFEMAPS facilitators provide powerful and transformative support to other young people.
LIFEMAPS is an acronym for 8 interlinked concepts that describe a full approach to developing positive mental health;
- Learning
- Accepting that failure is a necessary part of learning rather than a negative consequence, which enables us to find the courage to try new things, build resilience and approach challenges without the fear of failure.
- Intrinsic Motivation
- Finding activities that we really enjoy and are interested in, and have an internal motivation to pursue because they bring us a sense of personal reward and pride, and contribute positively to our mental wellbeing.
- Flow
- Finding activities that fully immerse and engross us, causing us to lose ourselves in the moment, which can give us a break from negative emotions and build positive feelings of achievement in their place.
- Emotions
- Balancing out the negative emotions with positive ones; not by forcing positivity, but by being open to new experiences, people and ideas to help us build a wider range of positive emotions like joy, inspiration, hope, awe and serenity.
- Mindfulness
- Promoting a positive outlook by taking time to notice small, everyday moments that bring us pleasure in order to bring balance to our minds and counteract the negative moments.
- Accomplishments
- Building self esteem through accomplishing personal goals, and realising that life isn't about winning or losing, but more about learning and growing, and that small milestones pave the way to big successes.
- Purpose
- Finding a sense of meaning in the world outside yourself by finding ways to help others, through small acts of kindness to your friends and family, volunteering or joining a cause you are passionate about.
- Social Connections
- Building our sense of belonging and community by building strong connections with others through work, school, family and friends. This satisfies our desire to be valued, cherished and listened to, which is critical to mental health.
