Local parish to host first ever mental health awareness night this September
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Ss. Peter and Paul's Church are set to host their first ever mental health awareness night this September.
The event is set to take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday, September 24, from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Parish priest Fr John Deignan said the event had been organised in response to a growing awareness of the number of people struggling with their mental health.
“People are beginning to talk a little more about mental health,” he said. "There is also an acknowledgement through our work that the number of people who are struggling with their mental health has become much more obvious.”
Fr John said difficulties accessing mental health services were also a concern raised by people in the community.
“A big part of what we hear from people is that mental health services are so difficult to access,” he said.
The event will bring together a range of statutory and voluntary organisations, with information stands providing details about the services and support available locally.
“We wanted to do something that would firstly get a general public conversation going around the whole area of mental health,” Fr John said.
“We also wanted to highlight the many groups, both statutory and voluntary, that can be a first point of contact for people when they might need help.”
The event will also feature four speakers, including a psychologist and an occupational therapist, alongside two people sharing personal experiences of using mental health support services.
Fr John said organisations including the Samaritans, Pieta, Aware and Mental Health Ireland were among those the parish hoped would be represented on the night.
He said the event would provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the support available and to encourage those who may be struggling to seek help.
The parish is also preparing to host its annual Mass of the Angels, which will take place in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church on Wednesday, August 19, at 7.30pm.
The event remembers all those babies and children who passed early in life.