ENNIS’ first ever Friendship Seating area has been launched by the Ennis Mental Association (EMHA) in co-operation with the Ennis Municipal District.
Ennis Mental Association (EMHA) is a community-based volunteer-led organisation that, for the past 30 years plus, has consistently focused attention on mental health issues and promoted wellness and well-being in the wider community.
Located by the Fergus in the Abbey Street Car park, the Friendship Seating area is designed to provide an attractive and inviting space where people can sit and be open to engaging in conversation with whoever joins them.
The area has been specifically designed to provide everyone, including those of limited mobility, with a convenient and comfortable place to meet, to rest and to connect with others.
Maria Molloy, Chair of Ennis Mental Health Association, speaking at the official launch last Thursday, welcomed people to the new Friendship Seating Area saying she hoped it would become a hub of conversation and friendship and even become a regular meeting place for the people of the town.
Explaining the idea behind the initiative she said that the association, established in 1990, wanted to do something “to make a contribution to the town of Ennis and the people of Ennis who have been super supportive of us over the years.”
Referring to the quotation from Yeats on the granite carving at the centre of the new Friendship Area …’There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t yet met’, Ms Molloy commented on her vision that this new social space will in some small way assist those who may feel lonely or isolated and thereby create a sense of belonging and improve quality of life.
She also hoped that the location of this new Friendship area by the Fergus would improve interaction with nature, wildlife, and the outdoors, all of which are proven to help improve people’s physical health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Ms Molloy concluded by acknowledging the assistance of Ennis Municipal Council for their untiring work in bringing the project to completion.
Speaking at the official launch Deputy Mayor of Ennis Councillor Paul Murphy congratulated EMHA on this exciting new development for the town.
Referring to mental health as a major concern for our communities, he encouraged everyone, young and old, to use this newly created social space to reach out in friendship and conversation and support to others who may use the new facility.
Councillor Murphy also called on the public to support the work of EMHA and especially commended the organisation for creating this very inclusive social space which he hoped would help to grow and strengthen people’s social networks and improve mental and physical well-being.