It is important that from time to time, we silence our phones, and disconnect from the online world, allowing us time to connect consciously with people in real life. Time to think. Time to engage. This is one of the key messages that Mental Health Ireland is promoting during the upcoming Mental Health Week being celebrated by Laois Connects.
One such free event to mark the partnership between Laois Sports Partnership and Mental Health Ireland is ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’. This will be a viewing of three short films followed by a panel discussion, in the Portlaoise Dunamaise Arts Centre on Wednesday 9th October @ 7.30pm. These films were commissioned by MHI and recently launched in the Irish Film Institute by Professor Brendan Kelly; Psychiatrist and Author . These films explore the themes of the Five Ways to Wellbeing Perspective on Recovery and Navigating the Mental Health Services . This will be followed by a panel discussion with people with lived experience of mental health difficulties
The guest speaker on the night is Martin Rogan, CEO of Mental Health Ireland – one of Ireland’s leading charities in the sector. Martin has over 30 year experience of working in mental health in the statutory and voluntary sector.
Why join us for this event? Mental health problems can affect anyone and have an impact on the lives of individuals, their families, communities, and wider society. Statistically, it is highlighted that one in four adults can experience a mental health problem. Effectively this implies that any one of us can be that one in four at some point or another in our life. Thankfully, current evidence is showing that public attitudes towards understanding mental health is improving.
A cornerstone to changing attitudes is knowledge and understanding to change the way how we think about and respond to mental health in our families, our communities and our places of work. This combination can reduce the unnecessary stigma associated with mental health in order that so that people can feel at ease when their mental health and wellbeing is challenged.
By disconnecting from our mobile phones, television and whatever else distract us will provide us with the opportunity to connect, talk, listen, and learn about mental health. Understanding and knowing more about mental health will encourage us to take better care of our own mental health and wellbeing, and be more supportive to those around us. The Five Ways to Wellbeing promised to be a engaging and interactive event. A number of key agencies will also be present with information on available supports.
For further information, please contact finola@mentalhealthireland.ie or 086 835 3387
