New Horizons strike a chord with new record

AN Ennis-based social club for people experiencing mental health difficulties has recorded a song to raise funds for the group and to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health difficulties.
New Horizons is the title of the song and is also the name of the club, which has been meeting in St Anthony’s Hall, Francis Street, Ennis on Friday nights since the early ’90s.
Members of the club provided lyrics for the song, while a volunteer, Doutsen Roelofs, provided the accompanying music. Recorded in Martin O’Malley’s studio in Miltown Malbay last week, it is expected that the song will be officially launched in the near future.
New Horizons is a service user-led group, this means that all decisions and planning of activities are made by the members. This is facilitated through a steering committee of members and relatives, the chairperson of which is Desiree Stephenson, while Vera Moloney is the vice-chairperson.
Transport is one of their biggest costs as buses are provided to bring members to meetings from Kilkee, Shannon as well as Ennis and its environs.
In an effort to get more people from all over the county to attend, New Horizons is seeking additional funds to achieve this objective.
The group has announced that the Clare Classic and Vintage Club are donating the proceeds of their annual Harvest and Family Day in the Showgrounds on Sunday to New Horizons.
There will be a massive selection of classic and intage vehicles, saving hay the traditional way, and loads of family activities like mini digger challenge, bouncing castles, face-painting, crazy golf and much more.
In addition to an annual Christmas party and parties throughout the year for Hallowe’en and Easter and breaks throughout the country, members enjoy a variety of activities such as yoga and bingo.
People who have any type of disability or those who feel marginalised or excluded from society are welcome to become members and attend the club’s weekly meetings.
With an overall membership of about 80, meetings usually attract an attendance of between 40 and 45 on a weekly basis.
A club spokesperson stressed the club had helped numerous people who had mental health difficulties on the road to recovery.
“The club is a happy and positive place for people who feel marginalised or who are experiencing difficulties to come and share their experience. It helps people to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We feel we are a role model for the provision of mental health recovery groups in the community.
“A lot of members who have benefited from the club have come back to put something back into the club and provide assistance and activities for new members,” she said.
Members and people with mental health difficulties can avail of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which is provided by Liam Minogue in St Joseph’s Hall, Kincora Park, Ennis on Monday evenings.
A number of the group members, who are fully trained in peer advocacy, were recently elected on the National Service Users Executive, which acts as a national liaison group between the HSE and service users.
Anyone who wishes to become a volunteer can contact 085 1213645.