Tusla announces free family fun day for Mayo families
Tusla has announced a family fun day taking place in Castlebar on Sunday next, September 22.
It will be officially opened at the Mayo GMIT Campus by Mayo GAA star Colm Boyle at 12 noon.
The free event will see a range of workshops, talks and activities, with something on offer for parents, young children and teenagers.
In the past year Tusla has run five successful family events around Mayo, attended by hundreds of families.
Taking on board the positive feedback received from parents, Tusla planned a large event for all the family in Castlebar incorporating all of the elements which parents found most useful.
The event was designed with the Mayo Children and Young People's Services Committees (CYPSC).
Some of the events and talks taking place on the day include:
• A talk on mindfulness for children delivered by children’s therapist, mindfulness teacher and psychology lecturer Louise Shanagher from Co.Roscommon. Louise promotes positive mental health and how to equip people with valuable self-care tools that will last a life time.
• A workshop on play therapy, delivered by Carol Duffy, senior play therapist in Tusla in Mayo. Carol has a special emphasis on how to make use of everyday household materials and turning them into magical sensory, and imaginative opportunities to connect and play.
• A talk titled ‘How to nurture a secure relationship with your Child’, delivered by Dr. Jeananne Garavan, Senior Clinical Psychologist.
This talk will explore ways to nurture a secure relationship with your child and why it is key to building their self-confidence and ability to cope as they grow up, while looking after your own emotional wellbeing.
• A talk for parents and adolescents by Dr. Sharyn Byrne, Senior Clinical Psychologist in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Castlebar titled ‘Parenting the Anxious Child; Understanding the neurological basis of anxiety.’
All talks are free, however due to high demand places for Dr Sharyn Byrne’s talk must be reserved in advance on this link:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/parenting-the-anxious-child-a-free-talk-by-dr-sharyn-byrne-tickets-72565622731
A range of other activities will be taking place on the day, including a make-up demonstration by Kelly Monaghan, children and adults yoga, face painting and balloon characters, craft and dolls workshops, and raffles.
The event will also have interactive information stands for local family support services with staff on hand to answer queries.
Speaking about the event, Paddy Martin, Area Manager, Tusla Mayo said “We are delighted to be bringing this event to Castlebar, after receiving positive feedback from other events held locally in recent months.
“Tusla has a range of services and supports for families and young people, and together with our local partners we are delighted to be hosting this event. We would encourage families with children of all ages to come along on the day and take advantage of some of the brilliant talks and events that will be happening.’
The event takes place St. Mary's Hall, GMIT Castlebar from 12 noon to 3 p.m.. For more information, call 087 2601283.