Ulster University Screen Production students and graduates have collaborated to create a moving documentary that offers a poignant look into the outstanding work of North Belfast mental health charity, TAMHI (‘Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues’).
The documentary looks at the origins of TAMHI and its mission to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in local communities and schools throughout North Belfast and beyond. By harnessing the power of play and sport, particularly football, TAMHI is making a real difference in an area that has been recognised for having one the highest suicide rates in Europe.
At the heart of this documentary is the build-up to TAMHI’s charity ‘United for United’ football match which took place on 24 June 2023 at Solitude in North Belfast.
This significant event, the brainchild of TAMHI Youth Coordinator, Mickey Meehan, and TAMHI CEO, Joe Donnelly, saw local teams Crusaders F.C. and Cliftonville F.C. join forces to play against a team of Manchester United Legends, including football greats like Brian McClair, Wes Brown, and Jaap Stam. Playing alongside them were local comedians, like Shane Todd and Ciaran Bartlett, and a number of local footballers and community volunteers.
The charity football match, sponsored by Ulster University and other local organisations, was a resounding success with a stadium filled to capacity and much needed funds raised for TAMHI’s ambitious upcoming projects. These funds will not only bolster TAMHI's efforts in Northern Ireland but will also pave the way for similar programmes in Great Britain.
Joe Donnelly, Founder and Chief Executive of TAMHI said: “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Ulster University students on our Manchester United short documentary. Teaming up with Ulster University gave us access to an amazing team of talented students who have really captured TAMHI’s story, as well as the story about the Manchester United Legends game.
“Ulster University is in the heart of North Belfast where we are based, they have been amazing with TAMHI as they align with our values around the importance of mental health and using sport as tool to unite communities, especially within North Belfast in particular as we have huge issues around suicide and prescription usage for depression and anxiety.”
“We are extremely grateful for Ulster University’s belief in our United Legends Game and the belief they continue to show in TAMHI.”
Dr Mark Benson, Lecturer, BA (Hons) Screen Production at Ulster University said: "The TAMHI documentary project is a perfect combination of Ulster University's commitment to engaging with local organisations and the production focus of UU's Screen Production degree. I was delighted to see so many of our students volunteering to get involved with TAMHI and very pleased to see them putting the skills they learn on their course into action with this very worthwhile endeavour. I hope to see many more collaborations of this kind in the years to come."
Watch the documentary here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1Uehe_6vt0