Tag Archives: Ann Marie Flanagan

EVEN though Covid-19 restrictions will be substantially reduced over the coming weeks, a local mental health advocate has stressed people who are feeling isolated or depressed will still need support. Shine regional development officer, Ann Marie Flanagan has urged people to be on the look out for those who have been badly hit by the lack of proper social interaction during the pandemic. While Covid-19 has presented new challenges for people who already felt isolated, Ms Flanagan said one of the positive developments that emerged from the pandemic was how people rallied to form community response teams to bring medication and groceries to those in need. She urged people involved in Covid-19 response team to try and maintain contact with an elderly person who is isolated and let them know supports are still available. Her views were expressed in the run up to Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, September 10. She stressed it is important people drop in on their …

IN response to COVID-19, Shine has put measures in place to ensure continued vital support is available to people experiencing mental health difficulties and their family members. A national organisation, Shine is dedicated to upholding the rights and addressing the needs of all those affected by mental ill health, through the promotion and provision of high-quality services and working to ensure the continual enhancement of the quality of life of the people it serves. Ann Marie Flanagan, Shine’s Mid-West regional development officer, said, “As our name suggests, we shine a light for people who are in crisis and we know our work is more important than ever at this time. Our service is available to anyone who has mental health difficulties, as well as their families. For the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to comply with Government guidelines about distancing and travel, we have moved our group and individual supports and education to phone, email and social media. …