Shannon marks the summer solstice

Few people celebrate the summer solstice these days but a special event will take place in Shannon to mark it this occasion.

“Shannon Mental Health Association and SkyCourt Shopping Centre are combining to hold a summer solstice event to promote positive mental health. It’ll be in the Food Court at SkyCourt on Monday, June  from 9pm until around 11.30pm. There will be music and entertainment and refreshment.

“The idea is to promote good mental health. The solstice has been identified by Mental Health Ireland nationally so the Shannon branch is having this local event. People will be given cards and they can write their wishes for their mental health and well-being on them for the coming year,” Tony McMahon, PRO of the Shannon Mental Health Association, outlined.

Tony added, “It’s a social event, a sort of a get-together, a celebration of mental well-being. There won’t be anything therapeutic but there will be information available about Mental Health Ireland.”
Speaking about the Shannon Mental Health Association, he added. “It has been in existence for a long time but it was revamped last year and the purpose of it is to promote positive mental health in Shannon and the surrounding areas. It has been behind a number of events and projects in the past, befriending projects and the likes.

“We don’t have a website or anything like that at the moment but we are affiliated to Mental Health Ireland. Anyone who would like to get in touch with us is very welcome and can get in contact by calling 086 2359277. We have meetings every month and new members are very welcome.”

Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organisation, which was established in 1966 as the Mental Health Association of Ireland. Its aim is to promote positive mental health and well-being to all individuals and communities in Ireland. It has a network of 92 Mental Health Associations throughout the country, all led by volunteers. These Mental Health Associations fundraise to organise outings and events for those struggling with mental health in their communities.

The area development officers support the Mental Health Associations and deliver awareness-raising initiatives and targeted education and training programmes on mental health issues in a variety of settings in local communities.