Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo
Staff working across statutory and community agencies in Monaghan came together to organise a range of events to highlight World Mental Health Day which took place on 10th October. The key focus of Monaghan Wellbeing Week was to promote mental health and wellbeing through access to a range of engaging programmes, both online and in-person.
A snapshot of some of the events is provided below and details on all events that took place during the week can be found on www.connectingforlifecavanmonaghan.ie
Monaghan Integrated Development was delighted to be able to bring a range of events and activities to communities through SICAP funding as part of Monaghan Wellness week. All events were really well attended with many reaching full capacity. The events provided engaging opportunities to learn, talk, and reflect on mental health and offered encouragement and support to those who may be struggling. The week began with a well-attended wardrobe decluttering and image styling session in Carrickmacross by Catherine from Sew Arty, Ballybay. A similar session took place in Ballybay on Tuesday with Catherine who encouraged participants to develop their own mood boards to enhance mood and wellbeing.
One of the highlights of the week was a presentation from Rory’s Stories in partnership with Carrickmacross Emmett’s GAA club. Rory provided inspiration and passion in his delivery and spoke from his heart about his own struggles with school, gambling addiction, his mental health issues and his journey on the GAA pitch and offered so many messages of hope and support to those in attendance of all ages. The week of wellness activities continued on Thursday with a morning writing for wellness workshop in the Iontas Centre facilitated by Denise Deighan and a cookery demonstration from The Scullery Catering in the evening.
As part of Monaghan Wellness Week, the Recovery College of HSE Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Service in collaboration with local G.P. Dr Vincent Brett delivered a lively two hour information and discussion workshop in relation to Men’s Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing. The presentations examined some of the main health problems that uniquely affect males and examined ways in which men and boys can take a more active part in taking responsibility over their own health. There were many questions from the floor and Dr. Brett was able to address both individual concerns and also the broader need to encourage more males to get screened at their local G.P. and to take small steps to improve their health. We also looked at some of the barriers that prevent men from engaging more with health education and how that can be changed. This was particularly relevant in relation to promoting and maintaining good mental health and reducing the number of accidents, self-harmful behaviours and suicide among men and boys in the Cavan/Monaghan area.
The night was finished off with tea/refreshments and many lingered on for informal chats. Big thanks to both the Crocus group and Men’s Shed who attended. The Men’s Shed set up a display table with some of their work on display and information which was of great interest to those attending and added to the convivial atmosphere of the meeting.
World Mental Health day October 10th was celebrated by the HSE Here for Each other Peer Support Group as they hosted a Mental Health Ireland Connect Café and Information session on Peer Recovery. The celebrations included a number of talks and live music as well as tea and treats.
On Wednesday October 11th Mental Health Ireland and Migrant Connect for Men's group hosted a walk and talk at St. Peter’s lake followed by a cuppa supported by Monaghan Integrated Development. Men had an opportunity to discuss mental health, connect over a walk and cuppa as part of Monaghan wellness week.
Many other worthwhile events took place including an online Talk by Shane Martin - Your Precious Life, Live it Well, which was hosted by Monaghan Libraries and Women’s Collective Ireland – Monaghan (formerly Dochas for Women) and had over 60 people in attendance. Monaghan CYPSC in partnership with Foroige/Youthrive hosted online webinars aimed at first year and sixth year post primary pupils. These were delivered by Psychotherapist Bronagh Starrs and focused on “Enjoying Secondary School: Tips and Strategies” for first years and “Figuring out the Future: Positive Mental Health Strategies for Final Year Students”. HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan hosted a Wellness Workshop in Clones on 13th October as part of the range of activities delivered during the Week.
Further details including information on mental health supports and training in the area on suicide prevention is available at www.connectingforlifecavanmonaghan.ie
Last updated on: 24 / 10 / 2023
