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Pictured at the launch of Kerry’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest running from 10th to 17th October are front from left; Lorraine Bowler, NEWKD, Geraldine O’ Sullivan, Kerry Volunteer Centre, Donagh Hennebry, Resource Officer – Suicide Prevention, HSE, Pat O’ Brien, Kerry Mental Health Association and back from left; Deirdre Hegarty, Healthy Ireland Coordinator, Kerry County Council with Caoimhe Keogan, Jigsaw Kerry. Pic: Pauline Dennigan
THE Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest will take place next month with this year’s week-long programme of events taking place between October 10 and 17.
Of course this year it will be a little different with many events taking place outdoors and online. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the events aimed at promoting good mental health are probably more important than ever.
An interagency committee, which is supported by Cork-Kerry HSE and Kerry County Council, have organised a range of events including wellbeing workshops, seminars, walks, coffee mornings, mindfulness and activity sessions.
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The Fest will coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10 and runs from Saturday the 10th to Saturday the 17th of October.
Among the highlights will be Forest Therapy, mindfulness and meditation sessions, coffee mornings, walks, wellbeing in the workplace workshops, self-care workshops, Zumba and yoga classes and more.
Kerry’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest aims to promote a positive sense of wellbeing and will highlight mental health services and supports which are available to people in need in the county.
Everyone is encouraged to take time out to learn, talk, reflect, and engage with others around the topic of mental health and wellbeing, and to encourage anyone with mental health issues to reach out and avail of supports and services available.
Launching the programme of events this week, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, explained that he is hugely aware of the mental health and wellbeing impact that this pandemic has had on people across the county.
“It is very important, this year especially, that the Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest is held to highlight the mental health services and supports that are available to people across the county. While observing the public health guidelines, the Fest offers an opportunity to connect with people and engage in activities that supports people’s overall health and wellbeing,” he said.
Donagh Hennebry, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare with the HSE, said: “The programme of events has come together with the support of all the local statutory agencies working together with the very positive input of community and voluntary groups all over Kerry. This year the Cork and Kerry Fests will be held simultaneously in an effort to further highlight the support for mental health and wellbeing across the region and extend the reach of the message of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.”
Full details of the programme of events are now available on the Healthy Kerry and Kerry County Council websites. www.healthykerry.ie
