‘There is no health without mental health’ was the message at the launch of the National Conference on Sport aiding Mental Health (SAM) which is being hosted by the Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Frank McBrearty Jnr and Donegal County Council.
The Mayor has identified Sport and Mental Health as his two key themes during his year as Mayor.
And he hopes that this conference will begin a national conversation on mental health, on how to support those who are suffering from mental illness and how to promote positive mental health.
Speaking during the launch the Mayor stated that “having had my own experience of mental illness and of recovering from mental illness, I am very much aware of the impact of mental health issues and especially on close family and friends who also struggle to cope and who need to be supported”.
He added “mental health issues effects many people in Ireland and positive mental health is vitally important to everyone in our community, as the World Health Organisation has recognised ‘there is no health without mental health’”.
The conference which is due to take place on the 31 May in Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness and positive mental health, showcase the services and supports available and highlight the important role that sport and physical activity can play in promoting positive mental health.
As part of this conference, Donegal Sports Partnership will be launching the ‘Charter for Positive Mental Health’ that will act as a practical tool for sports clubs and organisations in promoting best practice in their own settings.
The Mayor has said that he is delighted with the positive response that he has received from the various organisations, groups and individuals in relation to this conference.
“Miriam O’Callaghan, the well known RTE presenter has agreed to act as the presenter for the conference and Jim McGuinness, who needs no introduction in Donegal, has agreed to provide a keynote speech and participate in a panel discussion with other well know Donegal sports personalities including Anne Marie Ward, Patsy McGonagle and Myles Sweeney”.
“The Minister for State Kathleen Lynch TD will also be joining us at the conference and will be providing the official opening address. The Ministers attendance at this conference is very important as this will help us to ensure that this conference is a catalyst for beginning a national conversation on positive mental health and the role that each and everyone of us can have in achieving this”.
There are many other high profile speakers and panellists who have agreed to participate in the conference including Mr. Charles McHugh, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist who has almost 40 years service with the HSE, Dr. Tony Sharkey, Consultant Psychiatrist at Letterkenny General Hospital, Dr. Tony Bates, Clinical Psychologist from Headstrong, Mr. Martin Rogan, Assistant National Director for Mental Health Services, HSE, Ms. Marie Duffy, Editor of Spunout.ie, Ms. Anne Marie McDaid, Paralympian and elite athlete from Donegal who represented Ireland in the London 2012 Games, Mr. Hughie Friel from Donegal Travellers Project and Mr. Seamus Neely, County Manager, Donegal County Council.
This conference is open to the general public and is free of charge however, but booking is essential. To book your place email SAMconference2013@donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 53900.
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