ENNIS’ first ever ‘Friendship Seating Area’ will be launched next week by the Ennis Mental Health Association with hopes high that it will become a special place to for people to meet and connect with one another in the town centre.
The seating spot at Abbey Street Car Park has been developed in co-operation with the Ennis Municipal District and will be officially launched on Thursday, April 7 by Mayor of Ennis Councillor Ann Norton. On the same day Ennis MHA will mark national ‘Hello, How Are You?’ Day with an information stand in O’Connell Square.
As well as providing seating, the area has a specially designed plaque featuring the words of William Butler Yeats, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.”
Maria Molloy, chairperson of the Ennis MHA explained that the Friendship Seating Area, located by the River Fergus has been “designed to provide an attractive and inviting space where people can sit and be open to engaging in conversation with whoever joins them.”
She continues, “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. It is our hope that our Friendship Seating Area, the first in Ennis, will become a hub of conversation and friendship, and even become a regular meeting place for the people of the town.”
Maria adds that the group are also hopeful that the seating area’s location close to the river will help improve interaction with nature, wildlife and the outdoors. All of these are proven to help improve people’s physical health, self-esteem and life satisfaction, she outlines.
The day of the launch coincides with the inaugural national ‘Hello, How Are You?’ Day. In partnership with West Clare MHA and North Clare MHA, Ennis MHA has produced a short video promoting the Hello Clare How Are You? campaign.
Ennis MHA will have an information stand at The Height in the heart of Ennis from 2pm that day with an outside broadcast by Clare FM and welcome people to come and say hello.
The day is a new mental health promotion campaign developed and managed by Mental Health Ireland. This campaign is about connection and engaging in open conversations about mental health.
The campaign asks individuals, community organisations, workplaces, friends and family to say ‘Hello’ and ask the question ‘How Are You?’ in a meaningful way. Asking this small question and having one conversation can make a real difference in someone’s life. Creating, maintaining and staying connected with others helps tackle loneliness, creates a sense of belonging and purpose and builds relationships.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.hellohowareyou.info.