Free event in the west aims to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination
See Change, the national programme dedicated to ending the stigma and the discrimination that often surrounds mental health, has partnered with West Be Well to host ‘Let’s Talk Mental Health Judgement’ – a free event taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ard Rí Hotel in Tuam, Co. Galway.
The idea behind the event is to spark a conversation about the judgement that women can experience in the context of mental health, including the challenges that many women face getting mental health supports and what we can do to help end the unfair judgement of women.
The event will be hosted by See Change team leader Barbara Brennan, who will be joined by speakers Charlie Meehan, head of mental health services with HSE Community Healthcare West; Nora Fahy, manager at Roscommon Women’s Network; and Aine Hurley, Mental Health Ireland development officer.
MEP Maria Walsh will also be joining via video, and Michelle Clarke, an ambassador for See Change, will speak about her own journey with mental health difficulties.
Members of the public can attend the free event by registering via Eventbrite. Light refreshments will be provided at the venue.
Speaking about the importance of running community mental health events, Barbara Brennan said: “We are excited to partner with West Be Well to bring important conversations about mental health to the people in the west of Ireland. By prompting conversations about mental health and encouraging people to educate themselves about mental illnesses, we hope to make it easier for people to have more open conversations about mental health without fear of being shamed or rejected.”
Nicola Byrne, CEO at Shine, added: “We recognise the importance of raising the voices of women who experience mental health difficulties, and those who support their loved ones through a difficult time. By providing a platform for conversations about mental health to take place, we are empowering women to get the support they need, and as a result we are helping to end the unfair judgement of women.”
Charlie Meehan, who will be making the opening address, commented: “I’m delighted that we in the HSE have teamed up with See Change and West Be Well to run this event. This will build on previous work with See Change promoting the Green Ribbon campaign throughout Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.”
To learn more about See Change, visit www.seechange.ie. For more information on West Be Well, log on to www.westbewell.ie.