Stories of Hope and Recovery go on tour at Cork Bus Station

A photo exhibition from Grow Mental Health will take place in Parnell Place, Bus Station, Cork. 

The photos, which feature stories of recovery and hope will be on display at the station for two weeks. 

Expressway, one of Ireland’s inter-regional coach services, has partnered up with Grow Mental Health to raise awareness of mental health issues. 

The exhibition started in early October in Busáras and has recently moved to Parnell Place in Cork and other regional locations over the coming weeks.  

The aim of the initiative is to promote positive mental health and raise vital funds for the non-profit group, Grow Mental Health. 

Grow Mental Health Area Coordinator Finola O'Callaghan and Bus Eireann's Senior Operations Manager Aled Williams / Images by Gerard McCarthy 087 8537228

Speaking about the initiative, Finola O’Callaghan of Grow Mental Health, Cork said: 

“During the pandemic Grow ‘s nationwide network of weekly peer support meetings had to move to online but now with the easing of restrictions we are getting to reconnect both in person and online. We see in our support groups every day how the sharing of a story of recovery can inspire hope and have a transformative effect on someone struggling with mental health challenges. Sometimes talking to someone who understands and can personally relate to how you feel, can be the first step to feeling better.” 

As one of Ireland’s longest standing mental health charities, Grow Mental Health, which was set up in 1969, has recorded a 400% year on year increase in demand for services since the pandemic began.  

The charity support over 1,000 people weekly.