Plans are in the early stages for a mental health information seminar to raise awareness of supports on our doorstep.
The event has been proposed by Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, who called on Donegal County Council to work in association with Connecting for Life Donegal to bring community groups and service providers together for a day.
Cllr Kelly suggested that the event would feature guest speakers and stands from local services such as Pieta, Cara House, and Letterkenny CDP, to name but a few, explaining in detail the help that is available.
“I would also request speakers such as those that have lost loved ones and are willing to talk, or people who have suffered with their mental health and availed of help and come out the other side,” he said.
“And if there is a case there is not enough help out there, this seminar will give the general public the opportunity to express their opinion.”
“If this seminar helps save one life I think it would be successful,” Cllr Kelly told the Letterkenny-Milford MD yesterday, saying that there needs to be an open invitation to everyone in the municipal district and beyond.
Cllr Kelly said he believed that some people, who may be apprehensive about seeking one-to-one support, might attend such an event to find out what help is available.
“Mental health is a very sensitive area, but the reality is it’s not going away and if anything it’s getting more and more prominent,” Cllr Kelly said.
“In the lead up to Christmas, it can be a pressure point for a lot of people. It can be a stressful and lonely time.”
He added: “We are fully aware of recent tragedies and my own heartfelt condolences go out to all the families. It has been a hard and difficult time for them. Particularly going into Christmas, I’ll be thinking of all the families concerned.”
Donegal County Council has already liaised with the HSE Mental Health Team and received a positive response regarding a seminar. The idea is set to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of Connecting For Life Donegal.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan said that there was a stigma around mental health for too long: “The most important thing we could do is to have the conversation and let people know it is okay not to be okay, and that is a difficult hurdle, particularly for men,” he said.
“For too long there was a stigma around the whole area and slowly that has been overcome, people are crossing the line and looking for help.”
Connecting for Life
