Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has announced the first 'Together at the Lodge' free mental health and wellbeing event at the Midleton Lodge Park, on Sunday 1at October, from 1pm -5pm.
Together at the Lodge will feature an array of entertainment, recreational activities, workshops and informational spaces provided by over 30 local community groups and organisations.
The event aims to foster a sense of community and raise awareness about the support services available for mental health and wellbeing.
This free community event is open to all and sees Cork Kerry Community Healthcare partner with Cork County Council, Midleton & Area Chamber of Commerce, Youghal Health Project, Midleton Family Resource Centre, HSE Community Services, See Change and SHINE.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “Cork County Council is proud to support this initiative, recognising the crucial role it plays in fostering positive mental health. Let us come together to promote a culture of openness and support mental health. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and our community.”
Julie O’Neill, Interim Head of Service, Mental Health Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said: “I am delighted that Mental Health Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, HSE are supporting Together at the Lodge. Working collaboratively with our colleague organisations in the statutory, community and voluntary sectors in the East Cork region is vital in the ongoing promotion of mental health and wellbeing and reduction of stigma.
“I hope that this event is beneficial in terms of raising awareness of mental health services and supports that are available as well as being an enjoyable and fun day for the community.”
Adrianna Hegarty, President of Midleton and Area Chamber of Commerce said: “This event is dedicated to shedding light on mental health services and reinforcing the ties that bind us. There is a profound importance in gathering, sharing personal journeys and discovering the myriad resources available. Together at the Lodge promises a day of entertainment, workshops and activities that foster connections and underscore the significance of mental health.”
Martin Ryan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, expressed his delight in collaborating with Cork County Council and Midleton & Area Chamber of Commerce for this community event.
“Over the past few months, we have gathered a wide community team to work collectively to ensure that this event offers a practical and positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the local community. Our goal is to promote hope and recovery within our communities and remind people of the immense benefits of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Numerous supports are available to help us achieve that goal.
“As part of our wide engagement, we are also delighted to work with Midleton Chamber of Commerce as we believe that mental health and wellbeing needs to involve everyone. We are delighted to have over 30 local and area community-based services that will be happy to engage and support the general public. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting people on the day where we can build a very successful connection to support our local communities together.”
Nora Conway, Social Prescriber Community Health and Wellbeing Link Worker said: “Together at the Lodge is a fabulous event to celebrate positive mental health and wellbeing. The day promises to be fun-filled and informative with a variety of events taking place, including music, family and child-friendly events, workshops and more.
“The focus of the event is to highlight the supports and services that exist within the East Cork community, whilst also promoting fun, creativity, connection and wellbeing. We are delighted to be able to bring this event to Midleton and hope that it is the first of many. It has been a privilege to partner with HSE, Cork County Council and Midleton & Area Chamber to bring the event to fruition.”
The Together at the Lodge event follows on from See Change's national annual mental health awareness campaign, the Green Ribbon campaign, which runs throughout the month of September. See Change, a programme dedicated to ending mental health stigma and discrimination in Ireland, will celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Green Ribbon campaign this year.
Nicola Byrne CEO of SHINE, said: “It’s great to see initiatives like this being run to highlight local services and groups that provide mental health information and support in Cork. We are happy to link this event to our national Green Ribbon Campaign, which aims to break down the stigma and discrimination experienced by individuals living with mental health difficulties, through open and honest conversations about mental health.”
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