Clare Mental Health Week to focus on connecting communities

Connecting communities in the midst of difficulties caused by the current economic recession is the theme for Clare Mental Health Week, which runs from October 5 to 10.
Forums will be held throughout Clare to encourage communities and groups to come together to show solidarity and support to each other in times of unemployment and recession.

According to Anne Buckley, Mental Health Ireland’s local development officer for Clare, having good mental health means feeling positive about yourself and others, along with being able to meet or cope with the demands of everyday life.
“These are very difficult times. Many people have lost their jobs or had incomes reduced. Others live in fear of job cuts or worry that their businesses will go under or that they will lose supports that enable them to cope with difficult family circumstances. Our mental health is a resource that we draw upon every day. Sometimes, due to pressures, we draw more on this resource than usual. If we continue to do this we end up feeling ‘burnt out’. It is vital that as a community we respond to the stress that society is facing,” she said.
This is the fifth year of the initiative run by voluntary mental health associations in conjunction with Mental Health Ireland. Events planned include talks from health and community experts, choral concerts, community meetings, stress reduction classes, hugathons and a Burren walk. There will also be opportunities for young people to run events that promote friendship and community through schools and youth organisations.
All events are free to the public and there are many well-known figures taking part.
On Monday, October 5, Mary Flanagan and Anne Buckley have advice for parents on relaxation skills and stress reduction in the Clare VEC Community Education Centre. Later that evening, West Clare Mental Health Association welcomes everyone to Kilrush Family Resource Centre to explore Enhancing Community Co-operation in West Clare.
Men Count Too is the theme of a men’s forum, which will take place in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis on Tuesday, October 6 at 7.30pm. The forum will be addressed by Dr Noel Richardson, director of the Centre for Men’s Health Research and Training in Carlow Institute of Technology and author of the national policy of men’s health, and by psychologist Shane Martin, who runs self-help psychology programmes within the community. Shane’s Mood Watchers course is designed for people who suffer from depression, anxiety and stress and has been generating much interest nationally.
On Wednesday, October 7, Clare Women’s Network and Ennis MHA will host a women’s forum, Connecting Women – Nurturing Friendship and Cooperation, which will be addressed by Susan McKay, director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland and by Dr Leona Spelman, consultant psychiatrist with Clare Mental Health Services.
A day of friendship has been organised by the Shannon Family Resource Centre in association with Shannon Mental Health Association and later in the evening, they will host a forum on friendship and community with community leaders facilitated by the Mayor of Shannon. The evening will be rounded off by a choral performance and refreshments. All are welcome.
Meanwhile, in Lisdoonvarna the North/West Clare Family Resource Centre and North Clare Mental Health Association will host a forum titled Reaching Out, Connecting Communities and Celebrating Community Spirit in North Clare on Wednesday, October 7, in the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna at 7.30pm.
Well-known psychiatrist Professor Patricia Casey and community campaigner Fr Harry Bohan join forces on Thursday, October 8 at 7.30pm in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis for a public forum, We’re All in it Together, where they explore how friendship and community can enhance mental and emotional wellbeing in these challenging times.
For a breath of fresh air, the North Clare Mental Health Association has organised a walk on the wild side for Saturday, October 10. This Burren walk with experienced guide Tony Kirby of Heart of Burren Walks should be a real feel-good outing. Walkers should meet at Cassidy’s Pub, Carron at 11am. Strong walking shoes, loose clothing and rain gear are recommended.
On Friday, October 9, Regina Nathan, the Ennis Youth Choir, Cantare Chamber Choir, Ennis Gospel Choir and the Forever Young Choir join forces for a concert in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis at 8pm.
The Shannon Golf Club Choir will perform in Shannon Town Centre at 6pm and the Kilrush Singers welcome everyone to the Teach Cheoil, Kilrush at 8pm.
On Saturday, October 10, the North Clare MHA will host an evening of song featuring the Scoil Mhuire School Choir with Ailve Howard and the Ennistymon Musical Society as they present Songs From the Shows in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon at 8pm.
Staff and pupils have been invited to mark the week with events including film festivals, hugathons and friendship days.
For further information, contact mentalhealthweek@hse.ie or 065 6865847.