Our Community, our Mental Health – MIND IT!
World Mental Health Day is an annual event celebrated on October 10th around the world. The World Health Organisation (W.H.O) decided to dedicate the day to raise public awareness of mental health issues. This year the theme is “Mental health and older adults”. It is our hope to reach as many people within our community as possible in order to break down the barriers, reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness.
One of the major challenges for effective mental health promotion and suicide prevention is to address the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness. Unfortunately stigma associated with the words mental health and suicide prevents people from talking openly and honestly about their difficulties and feelings. Consequently, some people are unable to get the support that they need because they find themselves unable to talk to anyone about their problems including their GP for fear of being stigmatised. If the barrier of stigma is reduced and an awareness of where to seek support is identified, it has been found that in most situations this leads to a greater sense of hope, encouraging the person to explore ways to move forward and access the supports available.
At Fr. McGrath Centre we offer a range of information, programmes and supports available to those who find themselves in difficult situation and feel overwhelmed by it. Detailed info available on this website or from Kilkenny Carlow Contact office (befriending service for older people) at Fr. McGrath centre (tel. 056 7751988 ext 6 or 059 9138700) or from Community Development Manager, Wendy Taylor (tel. 056 7751988 ext 7)