Annual Report 2017
Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
mentalhealthireland.ie
Annual Report 2017
Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Art & Photography Competition
Throughout our 2017 Annual Report we have celebrated the winners from our Post Primary School Art & Photography Competition. All of the art work and photos on these pages were created by students ranging from 14 -17 years of age using the theme Mind Your Mental Health. We want to congratulate each student for the excellent work and we are delighted to showcase them here in our Annual Report.
Rachel Bennett
Aileen Kent
Willow McConville
Katherine Smith Adam Butler Darshan Pokhrel
Kellie McClafferty
Tara Hannick
Aoife King
Holly Hughes
Lauren McKenna
Nicola Hughes
Contents
Chairperson’s Address ...... 8
CEO’s Welcome ...... 10
Organisational Information ...... 13
About Mental Health Ireland ...... 15
MHI Board of Directors ...... 16
MHI Staff ...... 16
Mental Health Associations (MHAs) ...... 16
Area Development Officers (ADOs) ...... 16
Mission, Vision and Values ...... 18
Mental Health Ireland’s Activities ...... 21
1. PROMOTING POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ...... 22
National Projects ...... 22
Mental Health Week - Flavour of Activity ...... 24
Training ...... 27
Communications ...... 29
Working Partnerships ...... 30
2. SUPPORTING RECOVERY & COMMUNITY CONNECTION ...... 32
Mental Health Associations & Area Development Officers...... 32
Affiliates ...... 53
Partnership Projects ...... 55
Fundraising ...... 58
Our Volunteers...... 59
3. DEVELOPING THE ORGANISATION ...... 60
Governance ...... 60
Directors’ Report and Audited Financial Statement ...... 63
Directors’ Report...... 64
Independent Auditors’ Report...... 85
Audited Accounts ...... 90 Chairperson’s Address
It gives me great pleasure as the new Chairperson of Mental Health Ireland to present to you our Annual Report and Accounts for 2017. 2017 followed a significant and very exciting Anniversary year for MHI during which as you all know the organisation celebrated its 50th year in operation. Following this 50th anniversary year, 2017 signalled a shift in focus for MHI as planning began for our next 50 years. Given the scale and scope of change within the mental health sector it has become more difficult to anticipate future changes with any great certainty. In 2017 there were a number of important developments in the State’s approach to mental health services. Given the number of deliberative fora considering mental health provision, there is a real risk that once again, a coherent strategy will prove elusive. When combined with renewed organisational, structural and leadership changes within the HSE there is a risk that the momentum for reform in mental health in Ireland could be compromised or lost. In contrast in 2017 there was a very positive continuation of the trend towards openness and transparency from those who experience mental health problems. Public awareness and concern for mental health continues to grow and many high profile individuals in industry, sport and public life have come forward to share their experiences of mental ill health and recovery. This can encourage others to come forward and seek help and to start out on a path for recovery. In 2017 MHI made great strides to strengthen the organisation’s resilience and effectiveness. Our new CEO Martin Rogan took up his position in January 2017. Martin brought with him exceptional skill, knowledge, expertise and is well networked in the mental health sector in Ireland and Internationally. This has been a significant factor in the continuing and indeed deepening relationship not only with our main funder, the HSE but with the wider MHI family and of course all of our stakeholders. In addition to a new CEO in 2017 we welcomed new Board members Dr. Pat Bracken, Martha Griffin and Dr. Colman Noctor extending our skillset and complementing the reach of our current Board Members. Towards the end of 2017 additional funding was secured under the HSE / GENIO Service Reform Fund to create new programmes and opportunities for people with self- experience. I am delighted that MHI has been in a position to be a practical partner and to act as the employer to advance these important developments. We are keen to build on this foundation with additional developments into the future. These new appointments will have an immediate impact on our effectiveness on a national basis. We have had some changes in our staff team during 2017 and I would especially like to acknowledge the work and contribution of Patricia Bourke, Head of Professional Standards and Training and Karen Galligan, MHI’s former Research Officer. I would like to wish them both well in their new roles.
8 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Improving governance at MHI was a priority in 2017 and great work was done by our dedicated team culminating in our revision of our Memorandum and Articles of Association which was endorsed by Members at the AGM. I am pleased to report that this was just the start of a very comprehensive governance programme that continued throughout 2017. By using a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) process we have created a template for Mental Health Associations to follow which will safeguard service users, the local associations’ work and retain public confidence.
Developing our new Strategy With a new team and significantly improved governance, MHI was in a position to really focus on the development of a new 3-year strategy. In November 2017, the CEO presented the new draft strategy to the Board. Given the broad scope of work undertaken by MHI and MHAs the Board felt that it would be helpful to group our activities under a number of pillars. These fall into three major categories, Promoting Positive Mental Health, Supporting and facilitating recovery and strengthening our organisational structures.
Key themes in the MHI Strategy can be grouped as follows; 1. Mental Health Promotion 2. Living Life Well 3. Organisational Fitness
Especial thanks is due to all of the Head Office staff, Area Development Officer team at Mental Health Ireland and the Board members for their continued support and commitment. I would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the work done by former MHI Board members who completed their term in 2017, Brian Glanville, Alice Murphy and my predecessor, Maria Molloy. I am very grateful for the welcome extended to me as the new Chair, by the new Board members and to the new members of the senior team. I believe that MHI is well placed to continue its success in 2018 and beyond.
Thank you
Fiona Ross, Chairperson Board of Directors, Mental Health Ireland
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 9 CEO’s Welcome
Welcome to Mental Health Ireland’s Annual Report for 2017. 2017 was a dynamic year for Mental Health Ireland with a number of changes happening within our Board, Staff team and across many programmes and projects. Following the retirement of Orla Barry In January 2017, I had the great honour of taking up my post as CEO of MHI. During her tenure, Orla developed the organisation and brought forward many new developments and worked with the Board to revise the governance structures. I could quickly see that this was going to be a very hard act to follow. I first became involved as a Mental Health Association volunteer in 1983 and I immediately got a sense of the unique value volunteers bring to mental health. There is something about the vitality and energy that volunteers bring to their work that is difficult to describe but it has a special freshness and appeal. Many people with mental illness can be especially sensitive to the true motives and genuineness of others. They will immediately recognise if the relationship is bogus or phoney. Being a volunteer in mental health requires an authenticity and openness which is not always easy to find. This is why we want as an organisation to honour and celebrate all of our volunteers’ efforts at a local, regional and national level. Without this extraordinary and sustained commitment we could achieve very little. 2017 was a busy year for the organisations and it began with negotiating new Service Arrangements with the HSE at a national and local level. Mental Health Ireland holds detailed Service Arrangements with the National Mental Health Division, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, the National Office for Social Inclusion and most CHO areas. We greatly appreciate this funding and support and are very conscious of the need to be prudent, effective and efficient with public monies. The collaboration between MHI and the HSE staff throughout the country is vital and illustrates that by working together we can greatly enhance the experience of service users, their families and communities. Our Board members are also volunteers and many have served the organisation at local and national level over many years. I would like to thank Maria Molloy, our former Chairperson for her wisdom, energy and her infectious good humour. To Alice Murphy for her extraordinary work in modernising and preparing of our new Memorandum and Articles of Association and to Brain Glanville for his great guidance and insights over many, many years. MHI is a strong and well respected organisation and we were really pleased to introduce four new Board Members during 2017, Dr. Pat Bracken, Dr. Colman Noctor, Martha Griffin and Fiona Ross. In a national voluntary organisation it is essential to have a broad spectrum of talent and expertise and at MHI our Board brings a wealth of knowledge in mental health, service provision, financial acumen, legal understanding and self-experience. As you can see from the Accounts presented in this Annual Report our Finance and Audit Committee, Chaired by Neil Hughes and supported by our Finance team had a busy 2017. Our financial systems are now more robust as we introduced a new computerised financial package which offers many new features and improved reporting capabilities. Migrating to any new ICT system involved a great deal of detailed work and this successful system implementation was acknowledged by our Auditors. Working in collaboration with the HSE we have been able to progress many national mental health policy objectives consistent with our founding principles. During 2017, MHI has taken a lead role in supporting people with self-experience of mental health difficulties. By utilising a co-production approach, we can ensure that all of our programmes, projects and initiatives are designed, delivered and evaluated in an inclusive and insightful manner.
10 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Innovative programmes like ARI, Gateway, Aras Follain, Mayo Mindspace, Mayo Recovery College, Mojo, ARIES and Jigsaw Galway are pragmatic examples of how MHI can make a real difference. We plan to build on this experience by working with the HSE’s Service Reform Fund, ARI and through new development opportunities. During 2017, eight staff from Jigsaw Galway transferred employment from MHI to Jigsaw nationally. This project could and would not have developed without the active assistance of MHI and it was great to see how it had matured and grown since its establishment. Similarly, Mojo, the men’s health project decided to establish itself independently and the governance links with MHI concluded at the end of 2017. This is how we can assist innovation and improvement in our sector. In 2017 we appointed a number of new staff to our Area Development Officer team with new appointments in Co Mayo / Roscommon and in Cavan / Monaghan and we will continue to work to complete our Development Officer network for all counties. There were significant changes at Head Office during 2017 as two of our staff members, Karen Galligan and Patricia Bourke left MHI to pursue other interests in education and in psychotherapy fields. Both Patricia and Karen made a major contribution to the work of MHI. Our AGM at the Ashling Hotel in September 2017 was very well attended and we were really pleased that the CEO of the Charities Regulatory Authority, John Farrelly attended our AGM and presented to our Members and updated them on the CRA. Through a process of continuous improvement we intend to insure that MHI have the strongest governance and be the most transparent agency within the mental health sector. Achieving this will take time and effort, but it is designed to protect our volunteers and to reassure service users, our funders and the public. Our Governance & Risk Committee, under the expert Chairmanship of Seamus McNulty acts as a sentinel to maintain these high standards. We will continue to be a force for change, to progress an understanding in mental health and have many positive partnerships with well-aligned agencies including Mental Health Reform, First Fortnight, Get Ireland Walking and Social Farming Ireland. MHI is a nominated partner in the Connecting for Life Action Plans at a National and CHO level. We are now a major provider of training delivering; ASIST, SafeTalk, WRAP, and Mind Your Mental Health. We are strengthening on our relationship with UCC in the delivery of the popular Mental Health in the Community Level 6 Course. We have created a Scholarship fund for people who may not otherwise be in a position to attend the course. These are important developments and ones which foster greater understanding and empathy. The previous Mental Health Ireland Strategy (2013 to 2017) is now due for renewal and during 2017 many meetings were held with Board, local MHA members, funders, external consultants and fellow NGOs to set out the parameters for our new strategy. Regional Consultation meetings to ensure all of our volunteers have an opportunity to contribute and shape our future direction. A consistent message being heard is that our volunteers want our new strategy to remain true to MHI’s Mission, Vision and Values. Having a new CEO can be a traumatic and disruptive experience for any staff group, so I would personally like to thank all of the Head Office team for their patience and forbearance as they inducted their new colleague during 2017. As an organisation we can be really proud of how this team respond with great sensitivity to the many calls we receive on a daily basis. It is remarkable how our social media traffic has mushroomed and has now translated into an effective fundraising tool. Everyday there are many queries from volunteers and members relating to; insurance, Garda Vetting, finance and governance and each of these is dealt with in a timely and effective manner. All of this takes great effort, commitment and professionalism. It has been my great privilege and pleasure to work with a great team. Our Annual Report aims to give but a flavour of the work of MHAs and MHI during 2017. It would not be possible to include every single event or activity here. It is really important to know that our organisation is working hard and will continue to promote positive mental health and to be a loyal friend to people with significant mental health needs right across our country. I feel that we can be confident about the future and I would like to thank you for your continued support and commitment.
Martin Rogan Chief Executive Officer
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 11 12 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Mental Health Ireland
Chairperson Fiona Ross
Chairman of Finance Committee Neil Hughes
Directors Pat Bracken - Elected 30 September 2017 Charles Burke Denis Creedon Brian Glanville - Resigned 30 September 2017 Martha Griffin - Elected 30 September 2017 Neil Hughes Maria Molloy - Resigned 30 September 2017 Alice Murphy - Resigned 27 January 2017 Colm Murphy Seamus McNulty Colman Noctor - Elected 30 September 2017 Anthony O’Boyle Fiona Ross - Elected 30 September 2017
Company Secretary Neil Hughes
Auditors JPA Brenson Lawlor, Brenson Lawlor House, Argyle Square, Morehampton Road, Dublin 4.
Bankers Bank of Ireland, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Solicitors Partners at Law, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
Business address / Registered Office 1-4 Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co. Dublin.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 13 14 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 About Mental Health Ireland
Mental Health Ireland’s (MHI) aim is to promote mental health and wellbeing to all individuals and communities and to actively support people who experience mental health difficulties on their journey of recovery. Founded in 1966 on the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry into Mental Illness, MHI is a national organisation leading a network of Mental Health Associations around the country. MHI is a lead provider of mental health promotion within the voluntary sector through the education activities of Area Development Officers and campaigning and advocacy at a national level. MHI also supports its 82 affiliated MHAs in promoting mental health and supporting people with mental health difficulties in local communities. We are a founding member of Mental Health Europe and an active member of the World Federation of Mental Health.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 15 About Mental Health Ireland
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND BOARD OF MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND STAFF DIRECTORS In 2017 there were some significant movements within Head Office. CEO Orla Barry retired in January 2017; we wish her a long and Mental Health Ireland’s Board of Directors are volunteers and healthy retirement and thank her for her very valuable contribution. it includes people with finance and legal expertise; volunteers We welcomed our new CEO Martin Rogan in early 2017. from local Mental Health Associations and service users and professionals with mental health expertise. The Board is dedicated Karen Galligan returned to the education sector to complete her to the governance of MHI and supporting the CEO in managing PhD and we wish her all the best in the future. We employed the organisation and delivering on our strategy 2015 - 2017. Tina Robertson as Finance Manager and Carol Moore moved into a part-time Governance Role.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS (MHAs) MHI is a membership based organisation and has 84 affiliated MHAs located across Ireland. While they are autonomus, MHAs share the mission, vision and values of MHI and participate in projects organised at national level. The MHAs are run by local community volunteers; service users, family members, friends, mental health professionals and community leaders. MHAs engage in mental health promotion and fundraising in their local communities and while differing in size and complexity, traditionally MHAs engage in peer-led activities, In 2017 we welcomed four new Board Members, Dr. Pat Bracken, social support for service users, social activities and some Martha Griffin and Dr. Colman Noctor to our Board of Directors and provide individual grants to support the social inclusion of we also welcomed a new Chair, Fiona Ross. We are delighted to people with mental health difficulties. have their expertise to guide the organisation over the coming years.
AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS (ADOs) Nine Area Development Officers (ADOs), provide support to the Mental Health Associations. The ADOs also engage in mental health promotion activities in their region and deliver awareness raising initiatives and targeted education and training on a variety of mental health issues. The ADOs work in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations to develop mental health promotion and recovery initiatives locally. They have a flexible approach to adapt to local needs, often working out-of-hours to engage fully with local communities. We bade farewell to three board members, Brian Glanville who Our Area Development Officer team grew in 2017 to include Ita served for over three decades. Maria Molloy, Chair, who served for Tobin covering CHO1 Cavan/Monaghan and Teresa Keane covering over two decades and Alice Murphy. We would like to take this CHO2 Mayo/Roscommon. opportunity to thank them for their service and we would like to highlight their many years of service at a local and national level. The Board is supported by two ongoing committees; the Audit and Finance Committee and the Governance Committee. The Board of MHI may also from time to time form other committees dedicated to specific projects.
16 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Area Development Officers
CHO1 Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan Bill Vaughan & Rachel Reilly & Ita Tobin
CHO2 Mayo, Roscommon & Galway Nicola Morley & Teresa Keane CHO3 Clare, Nth Tipperary and Limerick John McElhinney CHO4 Kerry & Cork No MHI ADO in 2017 CHO5 Waterford, Wexford, Sth Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny Linda Thorpe CHO6 Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East Michael Noble CHO7 Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, South City & South West No MHI ADO in 2017 CHO8 Offaly, Laois, Longford, Westmeath, Louth & Meath Finola Colgan CHO9 Dublin North, North Central & North West No MHI ADO in 2017
Derry
CHO Area 1 Antrim
Tyrone CHO Area 2
Fermanagh CHO Area 3 Armagh Down
CHO Area 4
CHO Area 5
CHO Area 6
CHO Area 7
CHO Area 8
CHO Area 9
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 17 About Mental Health Ireland
MISSION, VISION AND VALUES In 2014 the management Team and Board of Directors revised our mission, vision and values for Mental Health Ireland. These remained unchanged in 2017.
Values Mission Vision and Beliefs
The mission of Mental Health Our vision is: Our values and beliefs underpin Ireland is as follows: everything we do: MHI’s vision is for an Ireland Mental Health Ireland promotes where mental health is valued We believe that everyone is positive mental health and as being an essential part of entitled to inclusion in society wellbeing to all individuals personal wellbeing and the and opportunity for personal and communities, and through health of the nation. MHI will fulfilment; our network of Mental Health lead the way in informing Irish We believe in the right of Associations, we support people society’s understanding of everyone to be treated with who experience mental health mental health and fostering dignity, respect and equality; difficulties on their journey of a culture where people with recovery. mental health difficulties are We believe in the right of those respected and supported. experiencing mental health difficulties to be supported in their recovery;
We are committed to transparency in our work and compliance with the highest ethical standards.
18 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 19 1220 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 20162017 Mental Health Ireland’s Activities
Since the foundation of MHI in 1966 the activities of the organisation has had a twinned purpose; promoting mental health nationally and locally and supporting people with mental health difficulties in services and in the community.
MHI’s focus/activity is informed by and aligned to national policy including;
1. Healthy Ireland 2. A Vision for Change 3. Connecting for Life
MHI continues to support and develop innovative initiatives aligned to our founding principles. Our activities come under three headings;
1. Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 2. Supporting Community Connection and Recovery 3. Developing the Organisation
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 21 Promoting Positive Mental Health 1. and Wellbeing
NATIONAL PROJECTS Provincial winners in the Art Category: Connaught: Tara Hannick, Art & Photography Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Mayo The Art and Photography Competition for post-primary schools Munster: Aileen Kent, continues to attract large numbers of entries with excellent work Presentation Secondary School, being submitted by a growing number of schools. We had 75 Mitchelstown, Co Cork schools participating in 2017 which is an increase on last year. Ulster: Kellie McClafferty, The National Art Winner was Lauren McKenna from St Louis Royal Prior and Comprehensive, Co Donegal Secondary School, Co Monaghan. Her drawing of a woman with butterflies, flowers and positive quotes on a background of black Leinster: Rachel Bennett, and white is incredibly detailed. The skill used in the drawing Loreto Abbey Dalkey, Co Dublin was to a very high standard and it stood out immediately. Provincial winners in the Photography Category: Connaught: Katherine Smith, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar, Co Mayo Munster: Aoife King, Mercy Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry Ulster: Nicola Hughes, Largy College, Co Monaghan Leinster: Darshan Pokhrel, CBS Synge Street, Dublin
The National Photography Winner was Willow McConville from Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Her photo of the word ‘anxiety’ in the dictionary was different from every other entry. The judges liked this photo as it involved imagination and is an issue affecting more and more students.
The National Winners in Art and Photography receive a €250 One4All voucher and the Provincial Winners receive €50 One4All vouchers. The winning pieces and a number of selected entries will appear in Mental Health Ireland’s 2018 calendar.
22 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
All of the above will be included in our 2018 Calendar which is distributed widely throughout the secondary schools, the HSE and also is available on our website for purchase. 32 students were awarded Highly Commended and all of these entries along with the 12 winning entries were featured in the Mental Health Ireland exhibition which took place in Dublin City Council on Wood Quay for a duration of one week. Judging was completed by Artist, Lisa Butterly with results and prizes announced at a special event in the Dublin City Council Offices, Wood Quay in March 2017. The atmosphere at the Awards ceremony is really great with very positive feedback from students, parents and teachers.
Smiley Pancake Our Smiley Pancake Campaign is a really fun event which is open to everyone! This year we had eight large corporate partners and workplaces participating in the event on 28th February. We also had greater participation from secondary schools with their Home Economic Departments making and selling the pancakes and toppings. Participants were invited to decorate a pancake with a smiley face and to post a photo online while making a funding pledge. This activity is open to everyone including individuals, families, community groups, schools and workplaces. 5000 Steps to Wellbeing Smiley Pancake is designed to be a low threshold, participative project for Mental Health Associations and partners and has This year MHI organised the 5,000 Steps to Wellbeing Walk received widespread coverage on social media (Joe.ie, A Lust for which was held at the Woodland Walk in UCD on Saturday, 14th Life, Reach Out) and on TV3 and was reported nationally in the October 2017. A total of 108 people attended, an increase of 40 Irish Examiner. people on last year’s event. The event ran very smoothly with all adults making a donation of €15 to join the walk. Brent Pope was our ambassador for this year’s event, promoting it on Ireland AM for us and in the media. The walk took attendees through the Five Ways to Wellbeing with guest speakers from Get Ireland Walking and UCD Many of Mental Health Ireland’s MHAs got involved and joining CEO, Martin Rogan and Head of Communications and fundraised at their Smiley Pancake events locally. Fundraising, Jill O’Herlihy in giving the reflective messages at every 1,000 steps walked. The walk was a really lovely day out with a diverse group of people joining us. The sun was shining and everyone had a really great time whilst also learning about the Five Ways to Wellbeing. UCD was a wonderfully accessible venue, accommodating children on scooters and wheelchair users. UCD Students Union supported the event and facilitated MHI with space for registration before the walk and provision of refreshments for the walkers after the event. Healthy UCD has invited MHI to partner with them in 2018 and we look forward to inviting even more people along next year.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 23 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
Brent Pope offered his time to support our walk and help promote it. MENTAL HEALTH WEEK - A number of our MHAs held their own 5000 Steps to Wellbeing FLAVOUR OF ACTIVITY walks in their own communities during Mental Health Week with Mental Health Week took place from 9th to 15th October with great success. most Mental Health Associations hosting at least one event. A number of MHAs held a week of activities with a number of them hosting events over a two-week period. The theme was Mental Health in the Workplace and a press release was issued to all national and regional media themed around Five Ways to Workplace Wellbeing. The press release was picked up regionally, nationally and online and a full listing of all events submitted by MHAs was posted online and promoted on social media during World Mental Health Week.
CHO1 Mental Health Week Activities In Donegal, our Area Development Officer, Bill Vaughan organised an event in An Grianán Theatre for MHI and Donegal Mind Wellness to celebrate mental health. This event was a great success and played to a full house. He also organised Stress Control programmes in locations around Donegal and supported local MHAs with their events.
Mental Health Ireland was the lead partner in organising and co-ordinating a range of events throughout October in Sligo and Leitrim. A range of workshops, public talks, sporting activities and much more took place during the month.
Support your Mental Health & Wellbeing – 5 Ways!
Celebrating World Mental Health Week In Leitrim 8th – 15th October 2017
Brought to you by Mental Health Ireland, HSE and Leitrim Development Company www.alive2thrive.ie
24 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 59,337 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
CHO2 Mental Health Week 1. STAN - South Tipperary Action Network Activities 2. LifelinKK - Kilkenny 3. Mensana Fest - Carlow Ita Tobin provided a ½ day Mind Your Mental Health Training Programme in the Aontas Centre, Castleblayney. Linda facilitated National Training programmes during the month of October and the MHA ran a huge calendar of events Ballybay MHA hosted a lunch-time dinner for Senior Citizens in around the region. the area at which the ADO was invited to speak about Wellbeing and the work of Mental Health Ireland. Monaghan MHA hosted a Seminar to a packed house in the Western Hotel, with Professor Spratt from TCD speaking about the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACE). In collaboration with the Health Promoting Schools partnership in Cavan and Monaghan, the ADO provided a Mind Your Mental Health Information Session on Resilience to staff and parents at Billis National School, Cavan as part of celebrations to raise the Schools first Health Promoting Flag.
CHO5 Mental Health Week Activities Linda Thorpe was active with all of the MHAs in the region re the planning of activities for Mental Health Week. The MHAs worked in partnership with other organisations in their area.
Name of MHA Acitivity Title
Wexford MHA Creativity Counts Art Expo
South Tipp South Tipp POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH Festival as per MHI website
Carlow MHA Carlow MESANA FESTIVAL as per MHI website
Kilkenny MHA/ LifelinKK-
LifelinKK International Mental Health Week
West Tipperary MHA Distributed MHI literature to all Libraries. Also Supported activities in Cuan Croi Day Centre.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 25 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
MENSANA FEST - Committee and Carlow Contact and had specific mornings Carlow’s Mental Health Week 2017 targeting parents and older adults. This worked well and engaged people who might not have associated with the Mental 2017 was Carlow Mental Health Association’s 8th Mensana Fest Health Association previously. to mark World Mental Health Day (October 10th). This year they decided to extend the festival to 3 weeks (October 9th – 27th) to promote positive mental health, offer information on relevant services and tackle the stigma associated with mental health in Carlow. Over 80 events were run throughout the county over the 3 weeks.
201 7 YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY ON th MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 2017 th 8 ANNUAL 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – ARKLOW BAY HOTEL
11:00 am Opening Address Barbara Duffy, Senior Clinical Psychologist Chairperson, AYMH Week
11:05 am Official Opening Simon Harris-Minister for Health
Followed by: Presentations from Schools . 11:15 St. Mary’s College . 11:25 Gaelcholáiste na Mara . 11:35 Youthreach . 11:45 Glenart College Believe . 11:55 Arklow CBS
Presentation of : In Certificates from Mental Health Ireland to Schools
Yourself Key Note Speaker Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children
There were workshops and talks on mindfulness, nutrition, dealing with pain, anxiety, men’s health, unemployment and much much more. There were also a number of activities encouraging people to get active and socialise including walking, kickboxing, coffee mornings, and even dancing on the streets. They had something for parents, women, men, young people The festival was launched on Monday October 9th with the and older people. These were run throughout the county with opening of the Rainbow Café by the Carlow Rose of Tralee. The activities in nearly every small village in the County. café was open for the first week offering people tea or coffee in a 10,000 brochures were distributed throughout the county, relaxing bright space. The support was overwhelming from local roundabout signs were erected in all towns, press releases in businesses sponsoring the goodies, to the people who came to local papers, interviews on local radio and a huge presence drink tea and get information and support. Approximately 150 on social media meant that people were well informed about people supported the café daily. the festival. The numbers attending all of the events was This year the theme was connection with plenty of volunteers approximately 1,000. The reach of the brochures and our able to sit with visitors and check in with them. A number of support suggestions is impossible to record but anecdotal stories workshops and events were run in the hub throughout the week. suggest that the Festival is having a huge impact on people’s Carlow MHA partnered with the Child & Young People’s Service lives in Co. Carlow.
26 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
CHO8 Mental Health Week TRAINING Activities The demand for the Mind Your Mental Health (MYMH) training workshop throughout Ireland has grown since its initial Arts Office Photovoices- Photovoices was a collaborative project implementation in 2016. that encouraged participants to examine through the camera lens the lived experiences of mental health in the Midlands. No of Sessions Participants
5 Ways to Wellbeing 4 214
ASIST 21 860 General Mental Health 9 445
MYMH Half Day Unit 1+2 79 1185 MYMH Unit 3+4 6 187 MYMH Full Day 18 298 MYMH Info Session 138 5636 (2 sessions with unknown numbers) Safe Talk 8 180 Quality of Life 9 64 Stress Control 8 223 WRAP 18 167 (1 session with unknown numbers) TOTAL 318 9161
The Area Development Officer Team and MHI’s Panel of Trainers provided MYMH training to a wide range of community, voluntary and statutory organisations and workplaces. This included staff and students in 3rd level institutions, prison services, the Department of Social Protection, HSE mental health services, secondary school teachers, service users, youth groups, government agencies and refugee and asylum seeker organisations such as Cairde and the Integration and Support Tullamore MHA launched a “buddy seat” in the Bridge Street Unit. Shopping Centre incorporating their logo and quote “Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday”. In addition, Mental Health Ireland’s team of Area Development Officers facilitated a range of other partnership training Longford MHA hosted a social afternoon for service users. interventions including SafeTalk, ASIST and Stress Control. Rathdowney MHA hosted a social afternoon for residents in Erkina House. Portarlington MHA were involved with the local schools Public Speaking Project in association with Laois Connects Mental Health Week and Mountmellick Community School.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 27 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
Evaluation of Mind Your Mental Health this fidelity to the programme is an important marker of quality in training delivery. In 2017 Mental Health Ireland commissioned Katrina Collins Consultancy Services, Northern Ireland to conduct an evaluation of MHI’s Mind Your Mental Health training programme. This MYMH was found to be highly aligned to the objectives of external, independent evaluation has offered MHI a space to Healthy Ireland and it also reflects the concept of positive review and reflect on the delivery of a core psycho-educational mental health, in which a person can realise his or her own programme as part of its strategic objective to add real value abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively through high quality work in health promotion, education, and fruitfully, and be able to make a contribution to his or her training and research. community. Direct observation of six out of the eight ADOs delivering MYMH in different locations across Ireland provided a valuable Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) and robust layer of evidence-gathering to the review process. In 2017 MHI secured funded from the HSE’s National Office for Fidelity to programme content, ethos and structure was Social Inclusion to provide information and support to recently consistent across trainers, format and audience group. However, arrived refugees. In partnership with the National Office for it was not delivered in such a manualised way that precluded Social Inclusion a number of training initiatives were developed responsiveness of facilitator to participant need, experience, and piloted: engagement and learning level. A contextualised version of the Mind Your Mental Health The brand component of MYMH therefore was strong and (MYMH) training workshop for programme refugees coming resistant to alteration by facilitator approach. In this regard, from Syria as part of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme MYMH delivered in Roscommon would be easily recognised was delivered to refugees arriving in Ireland under the (IRPP) if a participant attended another training workshop of MYMH to rebuild their lives and to attain and sustain optimal in Dublin or Donegal. Efforts by both the ADOs themselves wellbeing and integration. and management of MHI have contributed to the ongoing consistency in delivering the MYMH message. In consultation with HSE Social Inclusion Office, translation Analysis of the WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental of the MYMH into Arabic and a site visit, the Head of Training Wellness Scale) completed over the last 15 months across and Professional Standards facilitated a pilot MYMH training 1,647 participants found a mean score of 47.2 out of a possible workshop over two afternoon sessions in the Emergency 70. While this was not intended to be used for the purposes of Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Waterford in April clinical screening, it is interesting to note studies have suggested 2017. a cut off at 43.2 for clinical consideration of depressive symptoms in an individual. Following a further meeting with the Head of Training and Scottish population comparisons for 2015 found a mean score Professional Standards and HSE National Social Inclusion Unit of 50 for a 9,023 sample. in the last quarter of 2017, details were agreed on the rollout of MYMH into a number of the Emergency Reception and Although a specific request set out in the evaluation contract Orientation Centres (EROC) throughout Ireland. was to explore the potential adaptability of MYMH in supporting participant groups across the lifespan, the review process, particularly the external fidelity check, observed how malleable the programme is in meeting group needs at each individual delivery point. The evaluator was asked if the standard MYMH Programme would be suitable to all age groups and it was suggested that MHI may wish to build on the key messages and core content of MYMH to develop a young person’s programme that could be delivered to schools, youth settings and community child/ adolescent focused organisations. The results of the evaluation were positive with a number of helpful recommendations being made in relation to the duration and level of content and to its use with a range of specific audience types. These recommendations are being incorporated into the revised MYMH training programme. The consistency of delivery by our Area Development Officers scores very highly and
28 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
COMMUNICATIONS Literature Mental Health Ireland produce five different pieces of literature Website communicating aspects of positive mental health and wellbeing. Our website mentalhealthireland.ie is often the first port of call The literature is issued to workplaces, hospitals, community for people with queries about mental health and wellbeing. groups, schools and individuals all over Ireland and is also The site is regularly updated with news from MHI, our MHAs, downloadable from our website. our supporters and fundraisers and information about MHI’s They include a Five Ways to Wellbeing leaflet and bookmark, a programmes and projects and interesting information about Building Resilience leaflet, Manage & Reduce Stress booklet and mental health and wellbeing. A Guide to Living with Anxiety. Our statistics speak for themselves regarding the traffic to the site.
www.mentalhealthireland.ie 198,262 Number of active SESSIONS198,262 Numberengagements of active with the site engagements with the site ect SESSIONS C0nn 149,791 Number of people who 149,791USERS Numberlogged into of people the site who USERS logged into the site 400,673 Number of pages viewed PAGE VIEWS THE FIVE WAYS 400,673 Number of pages viewed ctive PAGE VIEWS b e A TO WELLBEING ARE The above numbers are a huge increase on the figures for 2016. SIMPLE ACTIONS YOU 85% NEW VISITORS CAN DO IN YOUR 85% NEW VISITORS ake EVERYDAY LIFE TO t ice FEEL GOOD AND 15% RETURNING VISITORS Not 15% RETURNING VISITORS FUNCTION WELL.
Traffic to the site was higher from Sept – December with peak Keep visits to the site on World Mental Health Day, October 10th. lear SUPPORT YOUR ning MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING 74% 26% FEMALE MALE GIVE Mental.Health.Ireland @mentalhealthirl 29% 23% 22% @mentalhealthireland ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ (NEF, 2008) are between are between are between 25-34 35-44 18-24
15% 8% are between 55-65 are between Newsletter 45-55 4% are between 65+ Another way people receive information from Mental Health Ireland is via our Newsletter. In 2017 we sent 32 newsletters How visitors found us: to our growing subscriber list which increased by over 2,000 subscribers over the year. Our newsletters provide information about MHI’s activities, events and programmes, general mental health and wellbeing information and fundraising asks. We use our newsletters to stay connected with our supporters, learn what they need from us 108,760 22,166 9,006 4,103 1,223 and support them in whatever way we can. ORGANIC DIRECT SOCIAL REFERRAL EMAIL SEARCH Visitors with Visitors Visitors on Visitors Visitors no referring clicking on another receiving searching for websites links to the website emails words including site via social sharing our sharing our mental health media links links refs
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 29 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
Social Media Connecting for Life Mental Health Ireland’s social media communications is an Mental Health Ireland is a named delivery partner in most integral element of our outreach to those interested in our Connecting for Life Action Plans at national and CHO levels. organisation. We have a high level of contact with our followers During 2017 each CHO published a Connecting For Life Action on all platforms with each growing year on year. Plan. MHI and our Mental Health Associations are nominated partners with specific commitments to advance key actions. The work of our Area Development Officers in providing ASIST 7,000 to 10,600 an increase of and SafeTalk training is a key commitment and the work of followers 3,400 followers MHAs in promoting positive mental health is also recognised in Twitter in 2017 these plans.
an increase of 8,574 to 10,379 1,805 page likes followers Facebook in 2017
an increase of 631 to 1,800 626 followers followers Instagram in 2017
WORKING PARTNERSHIPS NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Mental Health Ireland networks and collaborates with a broad range of statutory and voluntary organisations including HSE (at national and local levels), National Office for Suicide Prevention, Connecting for Life, HSE’s Health & Wellbeing Division, Healthy Ireland (Hi) and HSE’s National Office for Social Inclusion. Dual Diagnosis Clinical Programme MHI is represented on the HSE’s Dual Diagnosis clinical programme. This group are developing protocols to support individuals with mental health needs who are also struggling with drug or alcohol misuse.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS MHI work in collaboration with a number of external organisations to develop programmes, campaign for change in policies including; Mental Health Reform
See Change Green Ribbon Campaign
National Disability Authority
Housing Regulation Agency
Woodlands for Health (Coillte) MHI enjoys generous support from the HSE at a national and local level which includes funding for our core activities and See further details in section 2. our Area Development Officer team under formal service level arrangements.
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INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS this takes the form of submitting amendments to legislation, consulting with the European Commission, forming alliances International Initiative for Mental Health with other organisations or being part of expert groups. Leadership (IIMHL) Mental Health Ireland is a founding member of MHE and is also represented on their Board of Directors. Our CEO, Martin Rogan attended the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership Exchange and Combined Network meetings in Sydney, Australia from 27th February to 3rd March 2017. IIMHL is a platform for national mental health leaders to accelerate service reform and to drive innovation in mental health. The event attracted 450 mental health leaders from Ireland, England, Scotland, USA, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand and the host country, Australia. Minister Helen McEntee attended as did Liam Hennessy, Head of Service User and Family Engagement with the HSE’s National Mental Health Division. Events included presentations and workshops by leaders in city planning, children and youth mental health, marginalised and disadvantaged groups, the ‘iCircle’ mental health cities Mapping Exclusion Report initiatives, mental health promotion, the emerging role of e-mental health and the use of internet technology and the During 2017 MHI assisted Mental Health Europe in gathering psychological consequences of childhood trauma and abuse. information to up-date and expand the Mapping Exclusion; Institutional and community-based services in the mental The CEO is a former Chairman and current Board member of health field in Europe report originally published by MHE in IIMHL and no cost was incurred by MHI by his attendance at this 2012. week-long event. As there have been significant developments as regards the transition to community-based services since 2012 this project aims to capture information about the situation on mental health services in Europe five years on. The up-date goes beyond the scope of the last report which focussed on institutional and community-based services. New elements include country-specific information on mental health and capacity laws, forced placement and treatment, and the use of restraint and seclusion. A qualitative study will also accompany the data collated from country templates to highlight the lived experiences of persons with mental health problems. The HSE, Health Research Board and Mental Health Commission provided data for the report which is due to be published in early 2018.
EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIPS Mental Health Ireland is affiliated to Mental Health Europe, an umbrella organisation which represents associations, organisations and individuals active in the field of mental health and well-being in Europe, including former mental health service users, volunteers and professionals. MHE has 73 member organisations as well as individual members. As the main mental health organisation active in Brussels, MHE is committed to advocating for its cause, whether
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 31 Supporting Recovery & Community 1.2. Connection
Mental Health Associations & Area
Development Officers CHO1
Affiliates DONEGAL - Bill Vaughan Partnerships MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS Fundraising The seven MHAs in Donegal are volunteer-led groups and all the Associations are engaged in fundraising to support the social
Our Volunteers inclusion of people with mental health difficulties in their local communities and to deliver mental health promotion activities. The activities undertaken by the MHAs in 2017 to support the MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS & social inclusion of people with mental health difficulties are as AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS follows: Across the CHO areas our Area Development Officers support Carrick MHA the local Mental Health Associations (MHAs) and deliver a range Volunteering at the local Day Centre on a daily basis, of mental health promotion initiatives, independently and in helping to serve the dinners and provide social support to partnership. The main areas of the Area Development Officers all the users of the day centre. work are to: Organise a “Memories and Mental Health” workshop for 1 Support the development of local Mental Health World Mental Health week. Associations (MHAs); Fundraisers for the Day Centre. 2 Deliver Training and Mental Health Promotion in local communities; Letterkenny MHA 3 Work in partnership with the HSE and community and Volunteers help support the work of Cara House in voluntary organisations; Letterkenny which provides a wide range of services within the community to people in need. 4 Support the Social Inclusion of people who experience Volunteers help out with a wide range of activities in mental health difficulties in local communities. Cara House - providing training in a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities. Volunteers organise several fundraising activities throughout the year to support mental health activities at Cara House Volunteers helped with the annual Green Ribbon walk in Ards Forest and also supervised regular walks throughout the year.
32 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Get Together Inishowen MHA Moville MHA The members had several fundraising initiatives over the Members volunteered on a weekly basis facilitating various year. workshops for the people of Inishowen.
The members had regular social outings throughout the Members organised a coastal walk for World Mental Health year, including trips to Belfast and several to Derry. Week in Moville which included students from Moville Community College. The members hosted a stand at an Advancing Recovery Ireland conference for the CHO1 and CHO2 areas. Members hosted a Mind Your Mental Health workshop in March. The members ran a charity shop in Carndonagh over the summer to raise funds and also organised a very successful Members organised a coffee morning in The Cosy Cottage celebration dinner for all involved in September. for Serenity House.
The members hosted a Mind Your Mental Health workshop and a Stress Control programme.
Clonmany MHA The members of Clonmany MHA all volunteer on an ongoing basis at the Colmcille Community Home and Day Cloughaneely MHA Centre which allows elderly and unwell people from the surrounding community to stay close to their families and The members supported the local Solas mental health get good quality care. walking project with lunches on World Mental Health Week. TRAINING The members hosted 2 plays by Bread & Roses Theatre Mental health promotion initiatives include the delivery of Company in May and November for the community of training and information sessions and the organisation of events Falcarragh. to raise awareness of mental health. Bill delivered training and organised mental health promotion events directly and also The members raised funds for mental health activities. supports the MHAs in their mental health promotion activities. The members hosted the annual Christmas dinner for members of the Day Centre in December. Donegal Mind Wellness Bill organised over 15 Stress Control programmes throughout 2017 in County Donegal. These were attended by over 600 people.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP The development and fostering of partnership and active communication with key agencies and other voluntary groups is a core role of the Area Development Officer. They include e.g. local HSE Mental Health Services and Health Promotion and Improvement; Donegal Mind Wellness; Donegal
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 33 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Local Development Company; Irish Farmers Association; SLIGO/LEITRIM - Rachel Reilly Teagasc; NOSP; Connect Mental Health; Alcohol Forum; National and Secondary schools in Donegal; LYIT; Family MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS Resource Centres; Inishowen Development Partnership; Aurivo; Jigsaw; Worklink; Pramerica; Sita; Abbots; Advancing Recovery There are currently four MHAs in the Sligo/Leitrim area as Ireland; Men’s Sheds; Ulster GAA; Engage Men’s Health; follows: Sligo MHA, Easkey MHA, Manorhamilton MHA, and Highland Radio and local press. Breffni MHA.
The Green Ribbon Project Breffni MHA Mental Health Ireland is a partner organisation of See Change, March 2017 - Public Speaking Project organised by Breffni the National Stigma Reduction month long national Green MHA in association with Carrick on Shannon Community Ribbon Campaign to get people talking openly about mental School transition year students. This event was held in health problems during the month of May. Bill, with the the Dock, Carrick on Shannon. It was a great success and support of local MHAs distributed over 1,000 Green Ribbons both students and teachers found it very interesting and through local MHAs and networking events. Bill organised the a worthwhile project. It is planned to make it an annual 4th annual Green Ribbon Family walks in Ards Forest Park event. along with Coillte, IFA and DLDC. May 2017 - Leitrim’s Health is Wealth. This event was organised by Hubert McHugh, Leitrim Personality of #littlethings Campaign and yourmentalhealth.ie HSE/ the Year 2017. A wide range of speakers from various NOSP projects were consistently promoted in all training and backgrounds attended and spoke on their life experiences. information sessions delivered by the Area Development There was a very large crowd in attendance. Breffni Officer. MHA had a stand at the event and also gave a financial contribution. Mental Health Ireland & University College Cork August 2017 - Church gate collections were held in the - Adult Continuing Education catchment area over the weekend. Mental Health in the Community Level 6 Award; Bill Vaughan October 2017 – As part of a programme of events for helped to bring this course to Letterkenny and encourage World Mental Health Week 2017, Breffni MHA organised people to do the course. The programme started in The a public talk on the topic of “Anxiety & Panic – a modern Community Hub in Letterkenny on 10th October 2017. epidemic”. Dr Harry Barry was the guest speaker, addressing a large crowd in the Bush Hotel and answering questions Media Coverage from the audience. This event was sponsored by Breffni MHA. During the year local media both print and radio were very supportive to highlighting many aspects of local MHAs’ and MHI Regional activities. These include:
Highland Radio Donegal News River Media News Inish Times Donegal Daily Donegal Mind Wellness Facebook page
The Area Development Officer had a number of Mental Health Promotion articles published in local media promoting various mental health topics throughout 2017. Bill Vaughan works four days per week with MHI and at the end of 2017 some additional funding was secured from the HSE to December 2017 – Breffni MHA linked in with the local HSE extend this contract to a 5-day commitment. This gave the Day Service in Drumsna to organise activities and gifts for Area Development Officer additional reach and a greater attendees for Christmas. opportunity to support the mental health promotion activities in Co Donegal.
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Sligo MHA Mental Health Ireland’s main educational offering, Mind Your
Beo Befriending - Sligo MHA teamed up with the North Mental Health (MYMH) was primarily delivered in response to West Parents and Friends Association to organise social requests from various agencies with a captive audience. Also, activities for clients of different services on a monthly basis. periodic workshops open to the general public were organised Activities include meals out, bowling and pottery making. in different locations within the region to facilitate individuals There is usually approximately 40-50 people in attendance. wishing to avail of it. Public Talk - As part of a programme of events for World Mental Health Week 2017, Sligo MHA organised a public WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP talk on the topic of “Anxiety & Panic – a modern epidemic”. Dr Harry Barry was the guest speaker, addressing a large Music in Mind crowd in the Clayton Hotel and answering questions from Music in Mind is an initiative designed to bring music the audience. This event was sponsored by Sligo MHA. participation to people with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. In partnership with the National Concert Hall, the programme provides percussion and choir workshops to clients of mental health support centres around the country.
Social Housing - Sligo MHA run their social housing project, Ard na Greine, which houses nine individuals. The project is maintained to a high standard by volunteers. Flag Day - Sligo MHA teamed up with students from Sligo Grammar School to host a street collection day. Funds collected will be used to finance some new projects next In 2017, the North Leitrim Men’s Group in association with year. Manorhamilton Mental Health Association were successful in being selected to bring the programme to the area. They chose Easkey MHA percussion as their option and have successfully participated The main function of Easkey MHA is the daily running of in two programmes of eight weeks duration. Radharc na Mara housing project located behind the local - As part of the Social Prescribing project, a local Health Centre. Volunteers provide a high standard of care to all Alive2Thrive website was developed in 2013 outlining events, training 12 residents in addition to assisting with daily practical tasks. opportunities and supports and services in the Sligo/Leitrim Manorhamilton MHA area that play a part in promoting positive mental health in the area – www.alive2thrive.ie This online resource acts as Manorhamilton MHA’s primary function is to help with a useful tool both for GPs who are engaging with the social the activities of the local Kilgar Day Club. Outings this year prescribing project and the general community who can find included a trip to Loughan house and tea at the prison; a trip to out what is available in the broad area of mental health in this Glenade Lake; the Annual outing on Donegal WaterBus around area. Rachel Reilly was involved in the initial development Donegal Bay with a historical talk on the area and music of the website and continues to be responsible for the provided on board followed by a meal at The Jolly Farmers. maintenance and updating of the website on an ongoing basis.
TRAINING Youth Mental Health Initiative - established in 2011 to foster the positive mental health and wellbeing of young people aged In total, throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2017 approximately 703 12-25 years in Sligo and Leitrim. The ADO participates in the participants received training programmes/information steering group and the strategic planning sub-group. sessions from Mental Health Ireland. Programmes included Mind Your Mental Health (MYMH), ASIST, SafeTalk, Understanding Self- Harm, and SafeTalk.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 35 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Connecting for Life Sligo/Leitrim - Connecting for Life Sligo Ballybay MHA and Leitrim has been developed in response to Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015 Working within the youth mental health sector they ran a – 2020. The approach in the preparation of the local action schools essay competition. plan has been collaborative and inclusive, involving a broad Fundraising activities included Quiz nights, church gate range of organisations and individuals from the statutory, non- collections, sponsored walks, grants. statutory and the community and voluntary sector, and also During October, a series of Mental Health events took place the general public. Rachel Reilly was a member of the strategy across Monaghan. development committee for both counties and will lead out on Support was provided throughout the year including various actions going forward. Christmas parties, summer outings, afternoon tea and monthly support meetings. Sligo Disability Consultative Committee - The role of this Committee is to provide a forum for consultation with the disability sector and to ensure linkage between the policies of Bailieborough MHA the Council and disability issues. The Committee comprises of Working within the youth mental health sector they ran a Elected Members, Local Authority Staff, people with disabilities, schools essay competition. representatives from Disability advocacy groups, and relevant Fundraising activities included Quiz nights, church gate Agencies. Rachel Reilly represents the mental health sector on collections, sponsored walks, grants. the committee keeping mental health on the agenda. During October, a series of Mental Health events took place across Monaghan Support was provided throughout the year including CAVAN/MONAGHAN - Ita Tobin Christmas parties, summer outings, afternoon tea and monthly support meetings. In 2017, MHI secured new funding from the HSE CHO 1 to support the appointment of a new Area Development Officer to Carrickmacross MHA serve Counties Cavan and Monaghan. Given the change in CHO boundaries, this new post is also partially funded by CHO 8. Our Fundraising activities included Quiz nights, church gate new Area Development Officer, Ita Tobin took up her post at the collections, sponsored walks, grants. end of Q3 2017 and began engaging with local MHAs and the During October, a series of Mental Health events took place community networks in Cavan / Monaghan. across Monaghan She joined us from the educational sector bringing a wealth of Support was provided throughout the year for Christmas experience in that sector with her. parties, summer outings, afternoon tea and monthly support meetings. MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS There are currently four MHAs in Cavan Monaghan as follows: TRAINING Carrickmacross MHA, Ballybay MHA, Monaghan MHA and The start of Q4 has been devoted to training for the ADO on Bailieborough MHA. MHI’s Mind Your Mental Health (MYMH) Programme, on Safe Talk Monaghan MHA Training, ASIST Training and Training on Self Harm. In terms of service delivery, from mid-October to December 2017, the ADO Working within the youth mental health sector they ran a provided 78 participants with MYMH training sessions in Cavan schools essay competition which was very successful and & Monaghan. sponsored a mindfulness programme in 13 primary schools in the area. Facilitate the rollout of MHI & UCC Level 6 Mental Health in the Community Certificate Programme to Cavan & Monaghan MHA sponsored a local Mental Health Monaghan Awareness Conference on the impact of adverse childhood experiences on Mental Health. Ita Tobin has acted as liaison for MHI between UCC, the HSE Fundraising activities included Quiz nights, church gate and Cavan Institute on the provision of QQI Level 6 – Mental collections, sponsored walks, grants. Health in the Community Programme for Service Users, Family Members, Carers and Health staff in Cavan & Monaghan, with During October, a series of Mental Health events took place a view to delivery in September 2018. Ita Tobin has also been across Monaghan involved in revising Scholarship Applications and in devising a Support was provided throughout the year including framework for the research and evaluation of recruitment and Christmas parties, summer outings, afternoon tea and retention practices on the Mental Health in the Community monthly support meetings. Programme, nationally.
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WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP President of Cavan Institute, Cavan. Inspire / Niamh - Northern Ireland Association for Mental Ita Tobin currently sits on the ARI group in Cavan Monaghan Health. and has attended all meetings since starting in post in Q4 2017.
Links in with Cavan Monaghan’s, Peer Support Facilitator CHO2 and member of Mental Health Service Reform Group. The Consumer Panel for Cavan Monaghan. MAYO & ROSCOMMON - Teresa Keane Ita Tobin regularly liaises with Director of Nursing in Cavan MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS Monaghan through the ARI working group and through the working group established with Cavan Institute, UCC, the The 4 MHAs in the Mayo/ Roscommon area are volunteer-led HSE and MHI. groups and all the Associations are engaged in fundraising to support the social inclusion of people with mental health Connected with the Area Lead for Mental Health difficulties in their local communities and to deliver mental Engagement in CHO1 and has offered to participate on the health promotion activities. HSE’s Local Area Forum for CH01. The activities undertaken by the MHAs in 2017 to support the Ita Tobin has established links with Catherine Brogan, social inclusion of people with mental health difficulties are as National Coordinator for ARI and is due to complete follows: Recovery Principles Training in 2018. Liaising with UCC’s course co-ordinator of the Certificate Ballaghaderreen MHA in Mental Health in the Community and the Director of Design Your Own Poster - 11 local schools in Nursing in Cavan/Monaghan MHS in order to roll out the Ballaghaderreen took part and they also asked three UCC certificate to the Cavan/Monaghan area through the question survey what makes you happy? What makes you ARI group/ ARI Recovery College initiative in 2018. sad? Who do you talk to when you’re sad? Candlelit Vigil Ballaghaderreen Roscommon for 30 people. Ita Tobin is part of a Youth Mental Health Subgroup in Monaghan To remember those who had lost loved ones to suicide and and is currently working on a collaborative project to roll out those who had lost their lives. Wrote and delivered speech a series of seven animated videos created for children and at Vigil. parents on ‘Building Resilience’ which will be distributed by Provided Bed and Breakfast for volunteer. text message to all parents / guardians with children attending Primary Schools in Monaghan.
During Q4. 2017, the ADO made links with the following: HSE Suicide Resource Officer in Cavan/Monaghan. Social Inclusion Unit Cavan County Council. Primary Care Services Manager, St Davnets Campus, Monaghan.
CYPSE Coordinator, TUSLA, Cavan/Monaghan.
Can d l elight Vigi l Area Director of Nursing, Cavan/Monaghan. JOIN US in the GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE Health Promotion Unit Cavan/Monaghan. Market Street Ballaghaderreen Youth Officer Monaghan County Council. THURSDAY 19TH Youth Officer (ETB) Cavan/Monaghan. October 6:30 PM TO MARK Fóroige – Monaghan. WORLD Mental Health Week
N ISPCC, Monaghan. I SUPPORT OF PEOPLE Who have been be- Focus Family Resource Centre, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan. reaved by suicide IN MEMORY Teach Oscail Resource Project, Cavan. OF PEOPLE WHO Have died by suicide REFRESHMENT IN THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE . ISPCC, Bounce Back Project, Cavan. This project is funded DEIS Nua Project, Cavan. & Director of the Children’s Research Centre – Trinity College Dublin.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 37 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Mayo MHA Men’s Shed The 8k fun run at Turlough House saw 260 participants Delivered information session to officers from six sheds locally take part. The event was a fun-filled day in association with with the intention of linking in with the organisation nationally Parke Keelogues Crimlin GAA club. to deliver training in 2018. Mayo MHA ran a Poster Competition across 45 national schools in the county for 3rd 4th & 5th classes. Mind Urself - Annual Youth Positive Health and Wellbeing Conference took place at the Mulranny Park Hotel. There were 200 plus in attendance and Mayo MHA supported the running of the event with funding.
Fighting Words Mayo Six workshops were delivered working in the healthcare centres, recovery colleges and art establishments to offer a project that healed vulnerable lives. The overarching intent of these writing and storytelling workshops is celebrating creativity and celebrating life.
TRAINING Mental health promotion initiatives include the delivery of training and information sessions and the organisation of events to raise awareness of mental health. Teresa delivered training and organised mental health promotion events directly and also supports the MHAs in their mental health promotion activities.
MYMH and Training Information Sessions Delivered three MYMH Training workshops to more than 47 participants in last quarter of 2017. Delivered four information sessions to 155 participants. Social Services Exploring provision of phone befriending service in Westport. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP Connecting For Life The development and fostering of partnership and active communication with key agencies and other voluntary groups Mental Health Ireland will lead out and partner with a is a core role of the Area Development Officer. They include e.g. few key Connecting for Life actions. MHI will lead Mental local HSE MHS, ARI, CFL, FRCs, Men’s Shed, Volunteer Ireland, Health Week in Mayo & Roscommon along with REGARI and Mindspace, REGARI, Recovery College, Partnership Companies, Recovery Colleges. MHI will also work with Teagasc to provide Mayo and Roscommon, Secondary Schools, Sports Partnership information sessions tailored to suit farmers based on the Companies, Fighting Words and Midwest Radio. document ‘Coping with the Pressures of Farming’.
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ARI Erris Community Radio The Mayo Advertiser Worked with Family Member Service User & Carers to prepare Mayo’s strategy via ARI CHO2 Local Committee The Mayo News which will support an integrative CHO2 steering group. Connaught Telegraph Local ARI CHO2 Steering Committee collaborative local The Western People working group supporting Service Reform Fund, Recovery Principles Training. Teresa also had a number of Mental Health Promotion articles Wrote a piece for inclusion about peer support work and the published on ‘Coping with the Pressures of Farming’ in challenges of navigating their new role. partnership with Teagasc. Member of CHO2 ARI Overarching Steering Group now chaired by Head of Mental Health Services Charlie Meehan. Member of CHO2 ARI Education Committee supporting the organisation and delivery of training for Family Member CHO3 Service User & Carers in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. CLARE/ LIMERICK / NORTH The Green Ribbon Project TIPPERARY - John McElhinney Mental Health Ireland is a partner organisation of See Change, the National Stigma Reduction month long national Green MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS Ribbon Campaign to get people talking openly about mental health problems during the month of May. Teresa with the Thurles Mental Health Association started up a peer support support of local shops, libraries and MHAs, ARI, Volunteer group this year. They also had scarecrows all over Thurles at Ireland, Allegan Pharmaceutical Company and Recovery Colleges Halloween to raise awareness of mental health and brought ten distributed over 1,000 Green Ribbons through outlets and clients away for holidays during the summer. networking events.
The Older People’s Council Tár Isteach The ADO supported the launch of a directory of services for ... Come On In older people and to produce a walkability survey in Westport, Day: Every Monday/Wednesday Ballina via The Alliance Committee. Time: 7.00-9.30pm Venue: Premier Hall, Thurles (near Confraternity Hall) Target Audience: Age 18 + Refreshments: Tea, Coffee, Water, Biscuits & Sandwiches Activities: Cards, Snooker/Pool, Jigsaws, Board Games, Music, Arts & Crafts and much more......
Entry €2.00 ‘Come and meet new people. Have a Chat. Make New Friends. Take some time to relax or try out a new hobby by engaging in various activities on offer’ - Transport Available
Media Coverage Limerick MHA During the year local media both print and radio were very Limerick MHA have had a busy year again this year. Highlights supportive to highlighting many aspects of local MHAs and included Jennifer Conroy O’Sullivan - a member of their PND MHI Regional activities. These include: Support Group speaking at the Inaugural Perinatal Mental Health Conference in UHL on 6th December 2017. Midwest Radio CRC Radio Westport Local Radio Claremorris Local Radio
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 39 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
About Mental Health Week Contact Information If you or someone you know is in crisis: - Mental health week runs each October and promotes positive mental health awareness within communities. Contact your local GP Limerick has a collaborative mental health network After 6pm or weekends, phone Shannon Doc:1850-212999 that organises events and workshops hosted and Emergency Dept, University Hospital, Limerick: 061-301111 funded by Limerick Mental Health Association. For Emergency Services: 999 / 112 World Mental Health Day takes place
th The aim is to inform individuals and communities Organisations Involved in Mental Health Week on 10 October and this year’s theme is
about the services available in the Limerick region. “Mental Health in the Workplace” Limerick Mental Health Association: Peer support project Having a dedicated week around mental health 061-446786 / 087-2485742 Email [email protected] illustrates the strides made in Ireland in acknowledging Samaritans: 24 hour phone emotional support and addressing the importance of mental health and 116123 Email [email protected] Limerick Mental supporting ourselves and each other. GROW: Mental health recovery peer support meetings 061-318813 / 1890-474474 www.grow.ie Limerick Mental Health Association would like to MyMind: Counselling and talk therapy self referral service Health Week 2017 thank all organisations who arrange and run events 076-6801060 www.mymind.org th th throughout the week and to the community members Employability Limerick: Employment services - ill/injured, disabled Fri 6 – Fri 13 Oct who attend and bring their voice and attention to the 061-493095 www.employabilitylimerick.ie importance of our mental health as a community and Headway: Supports for those who have acquired brain injury as individuals. 061-469306 / 1890-200278 www.headway.ie Make it your business to take part in Limerick Youth Service: Mental health team, counselling (14-25 yrs) some of the educational and fun Thanks to our partners & sponsors... 061-412444 www.limerickyouthservice.com Croom Family Resource Centre: Family & child services.. . activities on offer! 061-602878 Jigsaw: Youth mental health services (12-25 year olds) 061-974510 www.jigsaw.ie More information Northstar Project: Supports families affected by substance misuse 061-459260 www.northstarproject.ie www.limerickmentalhealth.ie Enable Ireland: Provide services to those with disabilities & families 061-301830 www.enableireland.ie Limerick Suicide Watch: Suicide watch patrol of Limerick bridges The Social Inclusion and Community @LimerickMHA #LIMental Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 www.limericksuicidewatch.ie is funded by the Irish Government and co- funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Further Mental Health Information Employment Initiative. Please check website for latest updates
#PlanToProtect your Mental Health www.yourmentalhealth.ie 1. CONNECT - Talk, listen, reach out & chat... For further details on support services and the #littlethings campaign, please contact the local HSE Office for Suicide 2. BE ACTIVE - Walk, cycle, run, garden... Prevention 061-461454 / 061-461262 3. TAKE NOTICE - Be mindful & live each day... www.yourmentalhealth.ie or www.mentalhelp.ie 4. KEEP LEARNING - Grow your mind... www.limerickmentalhealth.ie For further details on HSE Mental Health Engagement 5. GIVE - Volunteer & help someone else... Contact Aoife Boland 087-1492986 [email protected]
The Mental Health Associations provide the key programmes and framework for the week. They do this by working in partnership with second and third level educational bodies, community, voluntary and statutory services. By working with these groups, they can assess and meet the needs of people throughout the community, from all walks of life.
Dr Jennifer McMahon, Chairperson of Limerick Mental Health Association was awarded The Award for Excellence in Service to the Community at a ceremony in University of Limerick. It was a wonderful day for Jennifer and her family and all the members of the Association.
Limerick Mental Health Week has been going from strength to strength over the past decade in the city. It was developed and supported by Limerick Mental Health Association. This is thanks to the network of organisations involved. These include HSE Mid West Suicide Prevention Office, GROW, Samaritans, Mental Health Ireland, Doras Lumni, Men’s Shed Association, Le Chéile, My Mind, Family Resource Centres, ICHAS, Loss and Grief Group (LIT), Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV (GOSHH), Blue Box Creative Arts, Limerick Youth Service, Northstar Family Support Project, Headway, Enable Ireland, Paul Partnership, Bedford Row Family Project, An Garda Siochana, Mary Immaculate College, Employability, University of Limerick, and SMRC Urban Run.
Raheen MHA The Ferndale Golf Group A golf group was developed in consultation with Rehabilitation Psychiatry and Marian Riordan (PGA Professional Ballykisteen Limerick Mental Health Week again was a huge success golf club) and funded solely by the Raheen and District Mental and bigger than ever with an activity every single day. LMHA Health Association. established Mental Health Week in 2005. In 2006, it was The theoretical basis from which the group was developed extended to include Mental Health Associations throughout the included David Carless and Katrina Douglas’ journal article “A Mid-West Region. golf programme for people with severe and enduring mental health problems”. The group consisted of six sessions in
40 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Ballykisteen Golf Club targeting eight people with severe and a smoking cessation perspective this is hugely important. enduring mental illness and one client with a dual diagnosis Other CBT interventions such as relaxation and activity of intellectual disability. Four clients participating resided in a scheduling were presented to the group as ways of reducing the high support hostel, with one client living in a medium support discomfort of withdrawal and help them to manage cravings. hostel. The remaining clients were living in the community and They also learned about stress and anxiety, and how this can the age of the group ranged from 27 to 54. interfere with a person’s willpower and confidence with the aim The group format consisted of five sessions on the driving range of preventing relapse, along with learning life skills. learning the basics of golf through specific coaching including There were also some great suggestions from the group: they driving, chipping and putting. The last session included time on would like more and longer sessions, or a ‘drop-in’ facility, and the golf course and playing the game of golf. maybe those who have gone through the programme could The participants utilised a mainstream facility which helped to attend and assist with new groups. The programme would not develop their skills of social competence which in turn led to have run without the support of Raheen and District MHA. an enhancement of self-esteem and confidence. Most notably participation was measured at 90% throughout the sessions and Ennis MHA feedback was extremely positive with all participants rating a high satisfaction level and improved level of socialisation. There were two key events in 2017 that were organised by Participants acknowledged the golf group as improving Ennis Mental Health Association. They launched an information physical exercise through low intensity which further improved booklet called ‘Piece of Mind’ in November. This booklet contains satisfaction levels. Moreover, participants acknowledged the information and local support numbers for a number of mental group provided opportunities for personal development and health issues affecting the young people of Co Clare. success through a supportive non-competitive approach. The aim of this booklet is to act as a support to people who All participants aspired to attend next year with the hope of think they or someone they know may be going through a tough further enhancing their newly found skills. time and need some support to manage their issue. The booklet provides information and support contact details for issues The Newsletter including Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Suicide, Bullying, Alcohol, Drugs, Grief and much more. The Association’s newsletter ‘A Spot So Fair’ continues to develop attracting a diversity of articles about recovery. These Teens and young adults are navigating so many changes with are submitted by a broad range of people: service users, peer new environments, experiences and challenges. This can be facilitators, HSE staff, family and carers, external facilitators exhilarating and exciting but it can also produce high levels of and community support groups. At the most recent launch in uncertainty and anxiety. December 2017 there was a real buzz and a feeling of wellness Ennis Mental Health Association distributed the booklets to every with people networking and collaboratively engaging with each secondary school in the area. other. A Spot So Fair has become a golden thread of connection. Ennis MHA celebrated Mental Health Week with something for everyone
SUARA Singing Group: Mental Health Week is coinciding with Choral Week. Singing can help improve symptoms of depression, mental alertness, posture and breathing while also promoting social interaction and a sense of belonging. Our workshop, with Suara Singing Group, acknowledged the mental health benefits of singing.
STRESS REDUCING PRACTICES with Mary Lillis Learn simple, but powerful and effective techniques to help Freedom from Smoking reduce stress. All techniques taught were suitable to use in the On average six people participated in the programme each workplace as well as in your personal life. week for one hour in Inis Cara. They spoke about their individual experiences of trying to stop smoking and opened up about their YOGA - Mindful Gentle Flow Yoga with Seema successes and the challenges. ‘Mind Your Mental Health’, with John McElhinney, Mental Health The Freedom from Smoking group programme was developed Ireland Development Officer for Clare, Limerick and N. Tipperary. using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. CBT aims This ‘Information Session’ was an opportunity to reflect on our at helping people change ineffective or unhelpful thinking. From mental health and learn strategies to enhance wellbeing.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 41 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
give rise to a greater reach into the community and far greater success in promoting positive mental health in the region. A process of attending each other’s training has already begun, and recently, on Live 95fm, the ADO promoted the Limerick Blanket Run with Limerick Sports Partnership. The group also held an awareness event in October in the canteen promoting positive mental health.
Connecting for Life - Lead on 5 Actions Promote & support annual ‘Mental Health Week’. Support Mental Health Associations to implement best TRAINING practice guidelines and protocols on suicide prevention and volunteer recruitment. Mind Your Mental Health & Other Training Deliver ‘Mind Your Mental Health’ Programme. 18 half-day workshops in 2017 with 267 participants. Support the activities in the two Peer Support Centres. 23 information sessions in 2017 with 455 participants. Build capacity within the 12 Mental Health Associations to 3 workshops specifically for HSE personnel with 45 support peer led initiatives in the community. attending. Also participating in the recently formed ‘Communications and Completed Train the Trainer for safeTALK with 3 trainings Partnership’ sub-group. delivered in 2017. Completed Train the Trainer for the HSE Wellbeing Programme.
Other events and activities: Mental Health Week, First Fortnight, Recovery Mosaic Project, Social Media Challenges for Parents, Garden Fete, music, concert & social events – meeting regularly to chat and socialise, funding WORKING PARTNERSHIPS of small local projects, MHI’s Music in Mind, Green Ribbon – Walk & Talk, support for local youth projects, providing speakers, Mental Health Promotion Mid-West, materials to local Mental Health Promotion events and local working group. organisations, working with FRCs, schools essay competition & providing opportunities for volunteering. This group is still establishing itself but working to plan mental health promotion on a regional basis, to promote and support a complementary approach to existing activity and to plan and schedule activity with a regional perspective. Current members include HSE Health Promotion, Mental Health Ireland, Sports Partnerships, Jigsaw, HSE Social inclusion, HSE Suicide Resource Office. Working in partnership, the impact will be greater and a joined-up approach will support a greater impact than the sum of its parts. With members supporting one another’s programmes, this will
42 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 This work couldn’t have happened without the strong commitment of the voluntary committee and the working groups that make all this work possible. Additionally the huge generosity of the community around us who support us in so many ways is vital for our continued success. The partnership based approach with those in the community that we work with has been invaluable to our achievements.
Activities included:
Supporting Recovery & Community First Fortnight & Pop up Drop in Information Point CMHA has been asked to be involved in the implementation group for this report which Connection again highlights the value of our group and how we are viewed in the community. In January, we decidedInformation Stands to do something different other than the radio ads which we had The demand and request for this service increasedQ & Adramatically session facilitated this year by .committee To combat member Rita Kelly and done for CHO5 the previousthis we did a training 5 years. support session We in Sept for supportedfirstly ourselves by and Tim supportedfor Healy friends & Margaret of CMHA Sweeney. to the First Fortnight festival whose increase people’s confidence in being at an information stand and being able to aim is toWATERFORD, reduce WEXFORD,appropriately stigma signpost SOUTH related and support individuals to mentalConnecting . This inter ventionfor Life health. was very well We did this in partnership The Visual TIPPERARY, CARLOW,received. We alsoKILKENNY updated our stickers range andThe are Carlow in the Connecting process of for redesigning Life group startedour their public local Mind your Mental Health leaflet. Some of theconsultations events we for attended a plan aroundincluded the Carlow County in January. Many where -we Linda showed ThorpeCollege, a IT Carlow film and Eventscalled in the Visual. Infinitely Wemembers provided were information involved Polarbear. leaflets in supporting to these sessions This by film depicts the impact of numerous other events and services throughoutfacilitating the county sessions as we cannotbut also reach feeding on backall in to the various havingMENTAL a mental HEALTHrequests health ASSOCIATIONS. diagnosis onsurveys his around lifethe needs and in Carlow thoseand the possible around solutions/ him in a real honest way. aspirations for our County. Carlow MHA We have researched the mental health promotion leaflets that are available out there and distribute the generic ones from ourselvesCMHA (CMHA) has, HSE been & asked MHI; tothat be we involved have gotten in the implementation The film2017 waswas another followed greatpositive year for feedback Carlow Mental byabout. Health Wea havevery more specific engaginggroup information for this reportleaflets Qwhich or signpost& again A highlights people session the value of ourfacilitated by committee Association with greaterto reach relevant and resources.awareness beingWe are achieved. also promoting andgroup advocating and how thewe areLittle viewed Things in Campaignthe community. memberThey continuedour withRita someas seen ofKelly their on pagecampaigns 10 –and What from is last reassuring supported year is that all of our activities by Tim and also our Healy way of & Margaret Sweeney. We had an such as Spring Clean yourworking Mental can Health, be fitted “Hello in Carlow”to the Little and Things CampaignSt Patrick’s. Day their Mensana Fest (Mental Health Festival). They also organised Members of the committee distributed resources and informationand supported manystand moreSt Patrick’s great at events Daythis promoting event positive andinformation over (beer 100mats, stickers, people mind your mental supported health this event which was mental health in CarlowMembers throughout of thethe committeeyear. distributed our resourcesleaflets and & postcards)information at the(beer Ballon mats, Parade this year by just great for its firststickers, year. mind your mental health leaflets & postcards)walking around at the Ballonthe parade Parade crowd. this year by just walking around the parade crowd. We also put information into the pubs in Ballon. Paulies 24 Hour Bootcamp Paul Ward of Paulies Bootcamp was looking for charities for his donation of his 24 hr boot camp. The MHA supported the event by having an information stand and promoting it with their members. CMHA received €5,000 from this initiative but there was also a huge increase in their social media followers and in starting the conversation about mental health.
Volunteer Awards Claire Healy, Chairperson was nominated for The Paddy Looney Memorial Award and was recognised on the night for her Carlow County Development Partnership initiated the Hello Carlow Campaign in Rathvilly, one of its target areas. Signs saying Hello Rathvilly were made to advertisecontribution the to the area of promoting positive mental health. event and an information stand was put up at the GAA pitches after training Theon the Volunteer Centre spoke about how she goes over and above evening. Members from thePaulies Rathvilly 24 tennis Hour club, Bootcamp GAA club and parish came herto support role as Chairperson and about how her way of being has the event. Information wasWe also put handed our names out throughout forward againthe day to in Paul the Wardlocal shop,influenced of Paulies post Bootcamphow the CMHA who wasoperates looking in a forholistic and heart felt way. office and credit union. charities for his donation of his 24 hr boot camp. We supported the event by having an information stand and promoting it with our membeMindfulnessrs. CMHA Walk recived €5,000 from this Monies used for this event came from a local business person, Paul Ward, who initiative but there was also a huge increase inA our beautiful social morningmedia followers was had and in Oakpark in Forest on March 11th organised a 24hour Boot campstarting raising the fundingconversation for local about charities mental including health. the The Mental CMHA did up a thank you board for Health Association. Approx. 3,000 conversation cards, wrist bands, pens, stickerswhere etc. as part of National Tree Week; the County Council and were distributed on the day. CMHA presented Paul with a framed photo of theCMHA Hello had a mindfulness walk guided for the adults by Sylvia Carlow campaign for his gym which will continue to spread the awareness asShirley huge and for the children by Cliodhna Tynan. Over 75 people of 3 numbers attend his classes weekly. all ages came along to support the event but most importantly
to connect with themselves and others and the beauty of nature This work couldn’t have happened without the strong within themselves. commitment of the voluntary committee and the working groups that make all this work possible. Spring-clean your Mental Health During the month of April three workshops were held on 3 Activities included: consecutive Tuesdays at 6 pm in the Carlow Library around the First Fortnight & Pop up Drop-In Information Point areas of anxiety, positive thinking from a holistic view and Letting They supported the First Fortnight festival whose aim is Go. Each session was facilitated by a volunteer and supported Our Pop up drop in information point was held every Thursday for January in the Shaw to reduce stigma related to mental health. We did this in by members of the CMHA committee. Over 140 attended these partnership withThe Visual where we showed a film called sessions and the feedback was excellent. Room,Mini InfinitelyCarlow Marathon Polarbear. LibraryThis film depicts the andimpact of whilehaving a the numbers were low in general approximately 20 18mental local women health raised diagnosis €2,973 on forhis Carlowlife and Mental those aroundHealth Associationhim in by running the mini marathon earlier this year. They were great advocates for us as they wore their a real honest way. The film was followed by a very engaging altogether.bright yellow TWhat shirts with our was positive messages highlighted on the back. This way of gettingthat our it was mostly men and that there was a need for message across of thinking about ways of building our resilience is powerful. We will 43 signpostingnever know how and many people appropriate it has impacted and this can continue referral onwardsMENTAL as they HEALTH to IRELANDsocial Supporting support Positive Mental Health venues like the men’s shed and wear them in their everyday lives. Go ladies go! the involvement centre.
6 Connecting for Life
The Carlow Connecting for Life group started their public consultations for a plan around the County in January. Many of our members were involved in supporting these sessions by facilitating sessions but also feeding back in to the various surveys around the needs in Carlow and the possible solutions/ aspirations for our County. These submissions have been put together in County Carlow Connecting for Life Plan which was launched on December 7th. This clearly sets out actions and responsibilities for us going forward around the area of mental health promotion and prevention of suicides.
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Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
South Tipperary MHA actively support service users Hello Carlow, How R U? throughout the year by providing funding and an opportunity to go on annual leave, day trips, and This was the 3rd year for Carlow Mental Health Association to educational trips & to enjoy dining out. run the Hello Carlow, How R U? Campaign. On Thursday 25th May we organised events and information distribution across South Tipperary MHA - support service users and their Carlow County encouraging people to start conversations around families and carers by actively providing financial support mental health by checking in with family, friends and work throughout the year. colleagues by asking the simple question “How are you”? This year the event was localised to each of our main towns and villages so as to reach out to people where they are living and thus feeling connected to their community within County Carlow. CMHA distributed “Conversation Cards” to help guide people to ask the question in a safe way and to encourage people to follow up with the person. The cards also have details of local supports services people can be referred to.
Mini Marathon 18 local women raised €2,973 for Carlow Mental Health Association by running the mini marathon earlier this year. They were great advocates for us as they wore their bright yellow T shirts with their positive messages on the back.
South Tipperary MHA West Tipperary MHA Cluain Training Centre Smiley Pancake Day was one of the highlights of West Cluain Training Centre, under the auspices of South Tipperary’s MHA calendar for 2017. It was held in the Tipperary MHA, provide training and education which is Excell in Tipperary Town and was very well attended and FETAC accredited, to 70+ trainees. supported by the local community with over 100 people in situ. MHI literature was distributed and a very interactive A full literacy programme is available. Arts and Crafts discussion was ongoing amid the excitement of the form a significant part of the programme. A new range of delicious pancakes. activities including Upholstery, Hair Dressing, Health and Fitness, Relaxation and the new Gym are very popular with West Tipperary MHA joined up with the Library service the trainees. A new Garden Project is now up and running in West Tipperary and MHI literature was distributed and is very successful both in terms of what is grown and throughout the library setting during World Mental Health how enjoyable it is for the trainees to work in such an Week. environment. Cluain also provide “Meals on Wheels” for West Tipperary MHA supported the Positive Mental Health the local community and is a truly integrated part of that Promotion workshops in Crun Croi day services throughout community. Mental Health Week. Cluain Training Services are going from strength to strength. They have developed a gardening/horticulture WEXFORD MHA project and acquired allotments. This is very beneficial to all the trainees and is both enjoyable and therapeutic. Wexford Mental Health Association has had a very busy 2017. The year started off with “A Celebration of the Initiatives of Wexford Mental Health Association” in Wexford Arts Centre in January. The night consisted of formal and creative presentations providing an overview of projects such as WRAP, Vocational Support Officer (VSO), Drama Project, Expressions Secondary School Competition, Peer Support Group, Sports groups and much more.
Expressions On Tuesday 14th November, 12 teams from Co Wexford took part in Wexford Mental Health Association’s Expressions Project. The ‘Expressions’ Project aims to promote awareness amongst
44 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
young people of the importance of positive mental health and A Face in the Crowd the causes and effects of mental illness. Over one hundred students participated in the project which was open to young people in County Wexford between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age.
Wexford Mental Health Association, in association with local schools and local theatre production the project has evolved to date. The model of the project is to invite participants to engage with the topic of mental health and suicide through the mediums of: Live drama performance Post-Performance Workshop facilitated by mental health professionals Project Booklet
This year alone the project achieved: 4 Performances for the Public 7 Performances for Secondary Schools 29 Educational Workshops
Reaching in total: 889 Secondary School Students The young people who came from various clubs and schools throughout the county expressed their feelings and opinions on Full impact measurement took place at all performances for mental health through the medium of drama, art, music, dance, schools and we are currently collating the evaluations from the poetry visual displays and dialogue. educational workshops. The overall winners were Bui Bolg a free arts group for The project as a whole has received national recognition and, teenagers, aged 13 – 18. The piece highlighted how wrong following adjudication by the Association of Occupational bullying is but also how we can stand up to it and strip away a Therapists of Ireland, was the recipient of the prestigious Ann bully’s power. Beckett Award 2016. The adjudicators were impressed by the Second place: Kennedy College New Ross life-changing and even life-saving aspects of the project. Third place: Presentation Secondary School Wexford The project has received national funding from HSE National Office for Mental Health Engagement, ESB Energy for Highly commended: Wexford Artist’s Community Theatre Generations, National Lottery Funding and in a partnership with Carlow Mental Health Association the project has been Creativity Counts Exhibition able to reach into Wexford, Carlow and to be part of the First Creativity Counts showcases the artwork of the various Fortnight Festival in Dublin on the 4th January 2018. exhibitors, but it does more, so much more. Wexford MHA was inundated with applications from artists to exhibit their work. Some exhibitors have had mental health difficulties, some have The Music Exploration Officer not. The opening night at Henrietta Street was buzzing! The The Music Exploration Programme was established at exhibition was opened by Al Porter, who was amazed at the Wexford Mental Health Association (WMHA) in November quality of the work and the enthusiasm of the crowd. 2016. Emily Redmond was appointed Music Exploration Officer (MEO) and in this short space of time has not only
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 45 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
established the programme in 2 high support residential settings and 2 community settings but has succeeded in placing a 2nd musician to work with all 4 groups for 6 months through Wexford County Council. The 1st in July 2017 called “Come Together – a music concert to celebrate and collaborate”, where over 30 service users performed for an audience for the first time in their lives. The 2nd concert was held on 09/10/17, where service users composed and performed 2 original songs which they had been working on for 6 months with guest artist Jimi Cullen.
TRAINING During 2017, the Linda Thorpe continued to facilitate training WORKING PARTNERSHIPS and developed, Mind Your Mental Health, in the Southeast, Local Partnership Working during 2017, the ADO made links with by making training accessible to statutory, community and the following: voluntary groups in CHO5. A total of 52 training sessions took Waterford Local Sports Partnership place during the year with 2,171 people trained. The training included Mind Your Mental Health, ASIST, SafeTalk and WRAP. Healthy City- Waterford Linda Thorpe was also involved working nationally with H.P.U. HSE organisations such as the FRC, HSA, D.S.P. , ISU, Refugee Council HSE Suicide Resource Officer in CHO5 of Ireland. HSE Suicide Resource –Training Officer in CHO5 The Mind Your Mental Health training programme will continue Social Inclusion Unit – HSE to be actively promoted in the South East Region throughout Public Participation Network, Community Department, 2018 within these sectors. Wexford County Council ADO is an active member of both Wexford and Waterford WRAP PPN - Waterford City groups. Shine - R.D.O. Wexford WRAP Programme Grow Wexford is well established and is currently in the process of Aware rolling out WRAP - Level 1 – 2 day training to service user, carers, Active Retirement Groups family members and the general community. Wexford MHA ICA -facilitated the Level 2- 5 day training programme which was Kildalton College – Kilkenny attended by participants from all walks of life. A WRAP Café was established in Autumn. It is proving to be a great success – Rotary Club Wexford/Gardai giving all participants the opportunity to share in a welcoming St. Bridget’s Family Resource Centre Waterford and equal environment. Kilmuckridge Vocational School Wexford Waterford WRAP programme Hope & Hospice Homecare Cancer Support Services Wexford The ADO supported the Waterford Mental Health Services by ABI - Acquired Brain Injury Ireland facilitating WRAP - Level 1 – 2 day training (completed over 4 Spinal Injury Ireland half days) with Eileen Byrne, Senior Occupational Therapist. This enabled staff of WMHS to complete the training and therefore GAA were eligible to participate in the WRAP – Level 2- 5 days Samaritans training. Five members of the WMHS completed this training and Teach Tom- Peer Support Kilkenny are now WRAP facilitators. A WRAP working group was set up, of Irish Wheelchair Association which the ADO is an active member. Several WRAP workshops have now taken place in Waterford city and county. L.G.B.T.I. - South Tipperary Area Macra FDYS- Youth Services Wexford Enniscorthy Rugby Football Club
46 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Wicklow MHA CHO6 The Association continued to support the “Woodlands for WICKLOW, DUN LAOGHAIRE & Health” initiative. The Association continued to support its “Companions” DUBLIN SOUTH EAST - Michael Noble peer led social club which provides a weekly social. Michael Noble works in CHO6 and in the absence of Club and other outings to the theatre/cinema/shopping development support in CHO9, Michael assisted here when took place throughout the year. possible. The Association arranged a number of Public information evenings. MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS Arklow Youth Mental Health Association: The Association had regular meetings with all the schools and Youth Services throughout the year to identify mental health initiatives it could provide in its Annual Youth Mental Health Week This was the 7th year of the Arklow Youth Mental Health Week. It provided a range of mental health focused events for the young people of Arklow. Age appropriate information sessions were held in local schools on self-esteem, bullying and eating disorders. Senior students attended a Suicide Prevention Drama followed by a Q&A session with Mental Health Professionals. Primary School students took part in a Mental Health Poster project. The Finale of the week was the BIG Sing where schools, Friends of Newcastle MHA Primary and Secondary took part in a Musical Event culminating with the singing of a song with a Mental The Association continued to support its Service Users Health theme. Family Support Group.
Dun Laoghaire MHA
2017 YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY ON th MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 2017 th 8 ANNUAL 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – ARKLOW BAY HOTEL The Association provided active support to the local HSE
11:00 am Opening Address Barbara Duffy, Senior Clinical Psychologist Chairperson, AYMH Week Engagement Officer to develop a Local Engagement Forum.
11:05 am Official Opening Simon Harris-Minister for Health
Followed by: The Association provided respite trips for local senior citizens. Presentations from Schools . 11:15 St. Mary’s College . 11:25 Gaelcholáiste na Mara . 11:35 Youthreach . 11:45 Glenart College Believe . 11:55 Arklow CBS
Presentation of : In Certificates from Mental Health Ireland to Schools
Yourself Key Note Speaker Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children SINGING IS GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL
COME AND SING HEALTHWITH US! Have you ever wanted to sing in a choir, or Arklow Mental Health Association: would you like to find out more about how a choir works?
CANTÓIRÍ CHOIR The Association provided a range of weekly social activities, invite you to come along and sing with us , or just listen, on walks and shopping for persons attending the Day Hospital. Saturday 14th October 2017 3-4pm The Association held its Annual Afternoon Tea Dance which CantÓirí Choir will also perform some of their repertoire. Join us at: The Band Stand, East Pier, is open to all Community Groups in Arklow. Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
As part of the National Choral Singing Week The Association participated in the MHI/NCH Music in Mind in association with Mental Health Ireland. www.cantoiri.com Drumming Programme.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 47 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
Troy MHA Celbridge - Naas/Newbridge/Kildare The peer led Association continued to provide its weekly - Maynooth - Athy MHAs Social Club which has an average attendance of 35. The Associations provided a range of social outings. The Association organised respite trips for the Social Club They participated in the MHI/NCH Music in Mind (Singing & Members. Drumming) Project. Vergemount and District MHA The Association provided a range of financial supports to units and users of the local mental health services.
Crumlin MHA The Associations supported a range of social activities and outings for its members.
St Brendan’s MHA The Association provided a range of social and financial supports to local mental health units.
TRAINING
6TH ANNUAL FINGLAS Michael Noble delivered 229 Mind Your Mental Health training POSITIVE WELLNESS sessions in local communities which were attended by 1640 participants across the region. FORTNIGHT Michael Noble participated in the CHO6 “Connecting for Life” SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER to ND steering committee and with DLMHA managed and delivered 22 SEPTEMBER 2017 Suicide First Aid Programmes (safeTALK& ASIST) as part of the “Connecting for Life Programme. The following trainings were EVENT LAUNCH SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER AT 1:30PM GREEN AREA BESIDE FINGLAS LEISURE CENTRE, delivered: MELLOWES ROAD 13 2-day ASIST Programmes were delivered to 244
INFORMATION BOOKLETS AVAILABLE participants. FREE EVENTS 2 safeTALK sessions were delivered to 60 participants. ALL WELCOME
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT (01) 2225400 WORKING PARTNERSHIPS
The Development Officer worked with the following
organisations to deliver Mental Health Training and promote Positive Mental Health:
Tallagh MHA The Association provided a range of Mental Health Promotion literature in the area. The Association supported local Mental Health social and training initiatives.
48 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 Supporting Recovery & Community Connection
The HSE Mental Health Services Recovery Hub /EVE Clubhouses Laois Sports Partnership - Alcoholism and Mental /Family Resource Centres /Drug Rehabilitation Services / Health – Senator Frances Black talk “Mental Health and Fostering Services /Wicklow PPN /Co Wicklow Volunteer Centre / Alcoholism” Timahoe Community Centre Bray Disability Cluster Group /Dublin Corporation Library Services Rathdowney MHA - organsied a mid-week holiday for /South Dublin County Council Library Services /Dun Laoghaire residents at Erkina House to Ballybunion. Rathdown Sports Partnership /Teagasc /UCD /Maynooth Student Wellness Information Board The Rotary Club funded Union / Suicide Resource Officers in Dublin/Wicklow/Kildare. and collaborated with Laois local MHAs and Laois Sports D10 Ballyfermot/Liberties College/The Bereavement Counselling Partnership Youth Panel to produce a Wellness Information Service/DLRD ETB/Active Retirement Groups/Co.Wicklow Older Board to coincide with Laois Rotary Club One Life – safe Persons Council/ Dept of Social Protection Training Unit and driving programme -two boards were presented to each of Disability Consultative Group/KWETB/Private Industry/Traveller the nine second level schools in County Laois Support Groups/D15 Jigsaw/Finglas Positive Wellness Group/HSE Engagement Project/RACE/HSE SRF Project/NCH Music in Mind Project/ Private Companies Mullingar MHA Art Appreciation Course - This was a six week programme which Mullingar MHA supported in association with the Westmeath Arts Officer.
CHO8 Gardening Projects - Organic Vegetables and Flower Plants: Mullingar MHA and HSE OT Services - St. Loman’s OFFALY, LAOIS, WESTMEATH, LOUTH, Hospital received a grant from Grow It Yourself and worked LONGFORD, MEATH - Finola Colgan in partnership with them. Photovoices - Photography Project is a unique collaborative project that encouraged participants to MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS examine through the camera lens the lived experiences of mental health in Longford/Westmeath. The project The 11 MHAs in the HSE CHO 8 region are volunteer led groups was facilitated by artist Rosaleen Heavin Social artist with and the Area Development Officer regularly attends local MHA Mullingar and Longford Adult Mental Health Services, Meetings and AGMs throughout the year. Mullingar Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Mullingar Mental Health Association. It was selected as a Music in Mind case study by Arts in Health. Two six-week sessions were hosted in conjunction with local www.artsandhealth.ie/case-studies/photovoices/ Mental Health Services and the local Mental Health Associations and delivered by National Concert Hall tutors. Between the three centres upwards on forty participants took part. Renewed applications were made on behalf of local MHAs in Tullamore, Birr & Kells/Navan.
Laois MHAs Portarlington MHA - Local schools Public Speaking Project in association with Laois Connects Mental Health Week and Mountmellick Community School
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Longford MHA Louth Longford MHA and Longford Comhairle na n Óg HEALTH Dundalk MHA Helping Everyone Around Longford Think Happily–Both Dundalk MHA – hosted a day trip for services users to organisations worked together with the Area Development Carlingford Lough. Officer to produce this local information directory on mental health issues including a comprehensive list of local Dundalk Rose Day – the annual fund raiser hosted in August regional and national help lines. to fund raise and promote positive mental health. Annual Christmas Social for services users held in Oriel Park Dundalk FA Football Stadium.
Offaly Birr MHA Presented a new bus to the HSE for use with local transport for service users. Organised the annual holiday to Galway Self Catering Holiday Homes for 20 service users. Hosted their annual Christmas Social also attended by Portlaoise and Rathdowney MHAs.
Tullamore MHA “Minding Your Mood During the Festive Season” co-hosted Tullamore MHA - launched a “buddy seat” in the Bridge by Longford MHA and HSE Mental Health Engagement - Street Shopping Centre incorporating their logo and quote Working with Service Users, Family Members and Carers. It “Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in attracted over forty participants at Longford Library. everyday”. Longford MHA Christmas lunch and social afternoon for Service Users.
HEALTH HELPING EVERYONE AROUND LONGFORD TO THINK HAPPILY
Meath Navan and Kells MHA Navan/Kells MHA Christmas Lunch For Service Users in the Newgrange Hotel. Kells MHA - Virginia Agriculture Show and Boyne Valley Tour Tullamore MHA – organised a day trip to Salthill and a for local service users. social evening in Moate for residents at Birchwood House. Navan MHA host a weekly Tuesday evening Social Club Tullamore MHA were actively involved in the promotion of for service user in the Leighbrook Lane Centre attended by Tullamore Pfizer’s Healthy Town 2017 during the months of services users and volunteers. September and October.
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TRAINING Resource Officers in CHO 8 and participated in the local public consultation meetings in Tullamore and Drogheda A total of 80 mental health promotion workshops were delivered and attended the CHO launch for the Midlands. during 2017 reaching 2,286 people. Navan Trialogue Meetings Finola Colgan has met with the local co-ordinators and is Mind Your Mental Health Sessions supportive of their monthly meetings and promotes them 25 Information Sessions - 409 participants through work opportunities with community groups. 16 Half Day Sessions - 234 participants Wellness Information Board 9 Full Day Sessions - 124 participants Meath Sports Partnership and Meath GAA have agreed to fund the widespread distribution of these boards and to Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) launch them early in 2018. WRAP is an international evidenced based programme Wellness Information Boards - there are in excess of integrated into HSE Mental Health Services. It is delivered as an 150 such Boards strategically located throughout the four important aid towards recovery and personal responsibility for Midland Counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. achieving wellness. It is also delivered in other statutory services Laois County Council have thirty Boards displayed in their and community groups. It was delivered by Finola Colgan as local parks thoughout the County. follows: North Eastern Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force Finola Colgan attends quarterly meetings and has Midland Prison and the HSE Mental Health Service introduced the Task Force to the Mind Your Mental Health Laois/Offaly co-facilitation with Pat Gallagher, RPN, Triogue Training Workshop. Mental Health Centre in Portlaoise. TUSLA/Springboard North East Two groups of prisoners have now participated in WRAP Finola Colgan has been invited to present to TUSLA Level 1. Discussions are in place to seek funding to offer quarterly meetings during 2018 with the Louth/Meath this cohort WRAP level 1 training with a view to delivering Family Resource Networks. peer led recovery education. Prison management and the Offaly Mojo school are very supportive of the proposal. Mental Health Ireland was a national strategic partner “Forging Links” - WRAP delivered in May/June 2016 in the of MoJo the men’s health project for men who are in Midland Prisons was shortlisted for a National Irish Health distress and affected by employment issues. It is a 12 th Care Award on Friday 10 March 2017. week programme that is a unique mix of mental health, Trim Family Resource Centre - 22 sessions delivered over adult guidance, physical fitness and social networking the summer months. methodologies that afford men the opportunity to explore the following: how to be and stay well, barriers to achieving WORKING PARTNERSHIPS their goals and desires and how to plan for their future. Longford MHA and Longford Comhairle na nÓg Advancing Recovery Ireland - ARI ‘HEALTH’ - Helping Everyone Around Longford Think Happily MHI is committed to supporting the development of peer Both organisations worked together with the Finola Colgan involvement and has a national relationship with ARI. to produce this local information directory on mental Finola Colgan attends ARI Learning Sets/Engagement Days health issues including a comprehensive list of local and monthly meetings of the Louth/Meath ARI Committee regional and national helplines based on the approved use and is actively supportive of the Laois/Offaly Committee. of the Kinsale Youth Group template. 2,000 copies were Mental Health Engagement - Working with Service produced and circulated to local schools and youth groups. Users, Family Members and Carers. Wexford and Ennis MHAs have since replicated the Finola Colgan has established a good working relationship publication. Plans are in place with the Midland Regional with the newly appointed Area Lead for Mental Health Youth Services - Offaly and Tullamore MHA. Engagement CHO8 and has supported and promoted Teagasc – Farm Financially Fit National Group meetings and identified suitable venues for local listening One of the key objectives of this group is to promote meetings. mental health awareness within the farming community “Minding Your Mood During the Festive Season” in association with their core business, as the organisation co-facilitated in Longford Library- with an attendance in recognises the impact of stress within their community. excess of forty. Connecting for Life - national strategy to reduce suicide. Finola Colgan has regular meetings with the three Suicide
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Coping With the Pressures of Farming - a key initiative Tullamore Pfizer’s Healthy Town 2017 which was co-produced and co-authored by MHI an Teagasc The Area Development Officer was an active member of the and edited by Finola Colgan, ADO. It was jointly launched planning committee responsible for the development of the by Mairead McGuinness MEP, Prof Gerry Boyle, Teagasc and programme of activities for the months of September and Martin Rogan, CEO, Mental Health Ireland at the National October. th Ploughing Championship on 19 Sept. 2017. Portlaoise Rotary Club - One Life Programme The aim of this programme delivered bi-monthly is to educate senior second level students about safe driving and being safe as a passenger. A mental health information To view and download a free copy of this publication please visit Teagasc session is delivered by Finola Colgan. www.teagasc.ie or Mental Health Ireland Wellness Information Board - The Rotary Club funded and www.mentalhealthireland.ie collaborated with Mental Health Ireland and Laois Sports Screen shot this page and view later Partnership Youth Panel to produce a Wellness Information Board. To coincide with this development two boards were presented to each of the nine second level schools in County Laois.
Promoting Peer Support & Recovery publication design | www.designbytes.ie E: [email protected] E: www.designbytes.ie | design publication Initiatives
Áras Folláin Mental Health Ireland HQ Teagasc Head Office 1-4 Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co Dublin Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland Tel: 01 284 1166 www.mentalhealthireland.ie/what-we-do/ Following the publication of the MHI/TCD report on Tel: +353 (0) 59 9170200 Fax: +353 (0) 59 9182097 www.mentalhealthireland.ie/publications/ Email: [email protected] @MentalHealthIrl www.teagasc.ie/ruraldev www.facebook.com/Mental.Health.Ireland “Development and Impact of Peer-Led Mental Health Support in the Community : A Review of Áras Folláin and Gateway” Review of Peer-Led Community Services with Gateway MHA, Rathmines and Áras Folláin, Nenagh in December 2016, the HSE’s National Mental Health Division allocated an additional €100,000 in 2017 to support the Áras Folláin Project in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. This funding was provided via CHO Area 3 on a once-off basis and makes provision for additional staffing and an evaluation of the service impact. The balance of funding remaining at year- end will be utilised to cover expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2018. Gateway Mental Health Association Gateway is a peer led project which operates on community development principles and has an Advisory Group representative of members and statutory and voluntary organisations. MHI manages the project and is supporting
Gateway to become a company and charity in their own These are strategically functioning committees right. representative of HSE/local County Council/Sporting There was a large attendance at the launch of Gateway’s Art Organisations (GAA) Voluntary Agencies - Grow, Shine, Sports Exhibition at Rathmines Library on 30th August 2017 which Partnerships, Local Partnership Companies, Education & showcased the talent and work of members. Gateway offers Training Boards. its members a wide variety of activities and works with a Laois Education Centre broad range of community partners to promote greater The centre’s primary commitment is to the provision of a social inclusion and belonging. local and regional quality service based on the needs of the teachers and their school communities at local and regional levels. The ADO facilitated three sessions of Mind Your Mental Health to 60 teachers.
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Troy Mental Health Association The MHI Team have been supporting the members of Troy MHA to continue its excellent social club that runs every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Troy MHA is a service user led initiative and receives HSE funding from CHO 6 to support its work.
Avonree House, Kilrush, Co. Clare The CEO met with members of Kilrush MHA to visit Avonree House, a proposed recovery centre in Kilrush, Co. Clare. Due diligence was completed and plans progressed during 2017 to ascertain if the building could be assigned under licence from the HSE to MHI for use by Kilrush MHA as a recovery hub. A professional survey of the premises was conducted and West Clare will meet the refurbishment cost of the property from their own resources. Whilst there are still some formalities and legal aspects to be agreed, it is hoped that the recovery hub will open in 2018.
AFFILIATES
Jigsaw Galway Jigsaw Galway is a service supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people aged 15-25 in Galway City and County. It was established in 2008 as a partnership between the Health Service Executive, Headstrong (now Jigsaw) and Mental Get Together Inishowen (GTI) Health Ireland with each of the organisations employing Carndonagh, Donegal, provides peer support and a social staff members in the project. As the project expanded and club to the community. Their events included meal and developed and additional staff were employed, it was agreed movie nights, coffee mornings, outings and day trips to amongst the partnership that employees would move to a places of interest. single employment structure governed by Jigsaw National GTI is an MHA providing peer support and a social club to Office. the community. Members discuss and agree on activities The staff employed by MHI from 2008 transferred to Jigsaw and events. The members have benefited by being provided under a Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employees with opportunities for social interaction, self-direction and (TUPE) to Jigsaw National Office on 1st March 2017. MHI has being involved in positive and supportive events to improve a long history of innovation and was very happy to act as a self-esteem and reduce anxiety. pragmatic partner in introducing Jigsaw to Ireland. We would like to thank all of the members of the team at Galway and wish them every success in the future. ARIES Project Mid West ARIES (Advancing Recovery in Ireland Education Service) funded by GENIO and run through a partnership between HSE (CHO 3) and Mental Health Ireland was established in April 2016 in response to an area wide scoping study which explored the potential of an educational approach to recovery in mental health. Like the ARI project, co-production has become the hallmark of the process whereby service users must be actively involved in all stages of service developments. The first project concluded in July 2017.
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which gave a platform to the recovery initiatives across all services and community.
ARI projects (Advancing Recovery in Ireland) Advancing Recovery in Ireland is a HSE national initiative aimed at bringing about the organisational and cultural change in mental health services necessary to support mental health services in becoming more Recovery Orientated. This recognises that true co-production between those who use, those who support people who use and those who provide our services provides better outcomes for everyone involved with services.
The ARI webpages on www.hse.ie were updated with new resources to support services and other interested parties in becoming more recovery focussed. ARI worked with a number of key stakeholders to support recovery development and integration into ‘business as usual’ including NGO partners, CAMHS and the College of Psychiatry in Ireland. The National Framework for Recovery in Mental Health 2018 - 2020 was launched in November 2017. The strategy sets out 16 actions and 25 measures and ARI has been tasked with leading this national project to develop the implementation plan for the strategy. Mindspace Mayo Mindspace Mayo is a free and confidential support service to promote young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The Mental Health Ireland has been working collaboratively with service supports young people aged 15 - 25 who are going the HSE in this process since 2013. In 2017 ARI went from through a difficult time to ensure they get the support they strength to strength in progressing recovery orientation need. Operating from Market Square, Castlebar, the service of services. Almost 800 service users, family members / provides a welcoming space for young people to call in, get supporters, service providers and voluntary and community information or have a chat one-to-one with a support worker. agencies took part in three co-produced ARI Learning Sets. Referrals to the service increased by in excess of 62% during Thirty Teams (service user, family member and provider) 2017. Presentations and talks are provided for schools, completed the Train the Trainer programme to become workplaces and community groups with the aim of raising facilitators of the Recovery Principles and Practice Workshop. awareness and support for the work of Mindspace. To support the facilitators a RPPW manual was co-produced. Mayo Recovery College ARI presented at a number of key conferences including: the In CHO Area 2, MHI is assisting Mayo Mental Health Services International Integrated Care Conference in May, ‘Promoting by employing the Peer Recovery Educator with the Mayo Recovery’ conference led by SHINE in June and the 3rd Mental Recovery College through a transition process under a Health Nursing Conference titled ‘Learning from Experience’ secondment agreement. in September. A quarterly newsletter was developed by ARI
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Mayo Recovery College based at GMIT Castlebar, has emerged as a significant social and educational innovation since its inception in 2013. In 2017 the college has developed and delivered over 30 co-produced modules related to mental health and recovery. MOJO MOJO (originally called Men at Risk to Suicide) offer an excellent 12-week men’s health programme to men with a history of long-term unemployment. The project originated in West Dublin and has since expanded to include projects in Kildare, Offaly and North Dublin. MOJO was developed by South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and hosted by Mental Health Ireland from June 2016. Due to development within the programme it was agreed Cast Film Festival that Mojo would cease to operate under the aegis of MHI The CAST Film Festival ‘Calls to Action’ youth groups, and would become an independent entity. We are delighted schools and organisations to ‘Break the Mould’ and produce to have assisted Mojo and wish them well in their future a short video film which sheds new light on a social issue development. All 12 week programmes will be completed while proposing a possible solution to the identified issue. and none of the men availing of the service will be The 2017 Festival took place in early May. MHI sponsored disadvantaged by this change. the Design a Poster competition and awarded the winning school from Ennis, Co. Clare with a camcorder for their filming. PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
First Fortnight Arts Festival MHI continues to be a supporting partner to the First Fortnight Arts Festival now in its 7th year which takes place annually in the first two weeks of January. It was created to challenge mental health prejudice through the creative arts. MHI is one of the principal sponsors and promotes a number of events on social media. First Fortnight has received European funding which will enable them to expand the festival to Europe in 2018.
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SeeChange Green Ribbon Campaign years, Irish people were reluctant to talk about mental The Green Ribbon Talk and Walks were held during May with health issues and were somewhat reluctant to ask for walks in six locations across Ireland. In 2017 Green Ribbon information or support. Talks & Walks were well attended in Cork, Donegal, Galway, This contributed to a sense of separation and distance which Laois, Monaghan and Wicklow. These events attracted many often compounded their difficulty and problems. Thankfully families and included guided woodland walks facilitated by things are changing and we now have a much more positive expert Coillte staff with a choice of routes and distances. outlook when it comes to talking about, and dealing with, All events were attended by MHI personnel and once again mental health concerns and issues. these walks provide an excellent opportunity to promote Irish farming is going through a period of great change positive mental health. and transformation and this can bring uncertainty and additional stress for people in rural areas. Isolation and loneliness can exacerbate mental health concerns and make some problems seem insurmountable. By reaching out and maintaining contact with friends, neighbours and advisors we can reduce that sense of isolation and share the burden. Having access to trustworthy and credible information can make all the difference when making decisions and considering options.
To view and download a free copy of this publication please visit Teagasc www.teagasc.ie or Mental Health Ireland www.mentalhealthireland.ie Screen shot this page and view later publication design | www.designbytes.ie E: [email protected] design | www.designbytes.ie publication
Teagasc Head Office Mental Health Ireland HQ Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland 1-4 Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co Dublin Tel: +353 (0) 59 9170200 Tel: 01 284 1166 Fax: +353 (0) 59 9182097 www.mentalhealthireland.ie/what-we-do/ Email: [email protected] www.mentalhealthireland.ie/publications/ www.teagasc.ie/ruraldev @MentalHealthIrl www.facebook.com/Mental.Health.Ireland
Coping with the Pressures of Farming is designed to: Coping with the Pressures of Farming Promote positive mental health among isolated people Members of the farming community know that they living in rural areas including farmers and farm families. can depend on Teagasc to provide them with up-to-date Encourage help-seeking behaviours in terms of emotional information and advice on farming matters. At Mental wellbeing among isolated rural dwellers by increasing Health Ireland we are really pleased to partner with Teagasc awareness of rural support services. in providing information around wellbeing and pragmatic Reduce financial stress by encouraging more efficient ways coping strategies that can be helpful at times of crises. of managing resources. Finola Colgan, MHI Area Development Officer in CHO 8 Improve community understanding of what mental health worked closely with the Teagasc team to produce this truly is and challenge the fears and stigma often associated excellent resource which was launched at the Ploughing with mental illness which can be barriers to seeking Championships by MEP, Mairead McGuinness. necessary professional help. This publication brings together practical information on Promote and encourage the development of social farming a broad range of farming matters and presents them in a for the benefit of vulnerable citizens, persons and their direct and accessible manner. A similar approach has been families. adopted to highlighting mental health matters. For many
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Part 1 addresses the day-to-day management of farming Music in Mind and the essential requirements to manage farming The 2017 Music in Mind programme commenced over effectively and efficiently. the summer in eleven centres throughout Ireland. This Part 2 addresses mental health and wellbeing with an programme is funded by the National Concert Hall. emphasis on the more common mental health issues that The programme which consists of 16 sessions (2 x 8 weekly can impact on day-to-day living. 90-minute drumming or choral sessions) is a great way for A key theme throughout the book is how and where you can people with lived experience of mental health difficulties to access “Further Information” either through direct contact engage with the joy of music in a fun and structured way. with organisations, useful websites, helpline numbers, and A second programme commenced in October 2017. other publications. Feedback from participants is very positive. The first year of the programme was evaluated by Karen Galligan with Woodlands for Health the findings listed below. The three year programme will be Woodlands For Health is an Eco Therapy programme, evaluated by MHI in partnership with the National Concert prescribed by medical professionals, of forest based Hall during 2018. activities for mental health patients which complements the development of Community Mental Health Services and The following MHAs engaged with the eight week Music in a ‘recovery’ approach, one of the fundamental principles in Mind Workshops during 2017: Ireland’s mental health policy ‘A Vision for Change (2006- Naas/ Newbridge/ Kildare MHA...... Kildare 2016)’. Kells MHA...... Meath In 2012 the first Wicklow programme was initiated by Arklow MHA...... Wicklow Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board) in partnership with the Manorhamilton MHA...... Leitrim HSE, Mental Health Ireland and Wicklow Mental Health Association and Wicklow Sports Partnership. Birr MHA...... Offaly The project was evaluated in 2014 by the HSE and Mullingar MHA...... Westmeath University College Dublin, which found that participants Wexford MHA...... Wexford improved their mood by 75% and sleep pattern by 66%; in Kilmallock & District MHA...... Limerick addition, their thoughts of self-harm were shown to reduce North Liberties MHA...... Limerick by 82%. Ceim Eile MHA...... Galway In 2016 the first Dun Laoghaire Rathdown programme commenced with Coillte, Dun Laoghaire Sports Partnership, Gateway...... Dublin HSE, Mental Health Ireland Get Ireland Walking, Sport Ireland and Dublin Mountains Partnership. In late 2017 a full evaluation from the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown project was produced to measure its impact. The collaboration of community based partners is an important feature of this popular form of eco-therapy.
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Music in Mind Evaluation - Karen Galligan PhD Candidate In 2015, the National Concert Hall in partnership FUNDRAISING with Mental Health Ireland piloted the Music in Mind Mental Health Ireland’s fundraising efforts have increased in Programme in 6 mental health settings throughout Ireland. 2017 with a dedicated fundraising role in-house. We are deeply Vision grateful to the individuals, groups and corporates who support The vision of the Music in Mind programme is that everyone our work. in Ireland living with mental health concerns should have Our wonderful fundraisers support us doing all sorts of activities the opportunity to participate in ensemble music singing including running, walking, cycling, bake sales and dance and playing. The programme consists of either group competitions. singing or percussion (drumming). The duration of phase One supporter, Student Mental Health Nurse and Poet, Dennis one of the programme on which this report is based is 6 Tynan is writing a poem a day for a whole year in support of weeks. Participants for the programme come from Mental Mental Health Ireland. Health Associations who have applied to participate in the programme as part of the annual application process. Mission The mission for Music in Mind is: To support improved quality of life for those living with mental health concerns through active engagement with music. To enhance mental wellbeing through group music playing. To provide social activity and creative ways of self- expression. The mission is based on the belief that group music engagement can lead to positive outcomes in the following areas: positive feelings and self-belief, expectation and hope, abilities and skills, social support and networking, structure and organisation. Method Between May and June 2016 a total of 84 participants took part in the Music in Mind programme, across 6 services and geographical locations in Ireland. Participants took part in a pre and post evaluation. The pre-evaluation consisted of a short questionnaire in which participants were asked about their expectations and hopes in relation to the programme, and a measure of mental health and wellbeing called The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). For the post- evaluation, participants again completed the WEMWBS scale and a 21 item questionnaire. Conclusions and recommendations This programme had extremely positive benefits on the mental health and wellbeing of its participants, which was verified through the increase in scores between pre and post on the WEMWBS scale, and by the expressed impact on participants of the course on key skills, emotions, learnings, participation in teamwork and overall extremely high levels of satisfaction.
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Another fundraiser, Mayson Forbes walked The Ireland Way We also host our 5000 Steps to Wellbeing during Mental Health which took her six weeks… it was so lovely to follow her journey Week. The walk is centred on the Five Ways to Wellbeing where and meet her at the start and finish. we concentrate on each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing for every 1000 steps. This is a pre-paid event that people sign up for. The walk took place in the beautiful woodlands within the perimeter of the UCD campus in 2017 and was a huge success. With our supporters by our side, Mental Health Ireland has been able to sponsor individuals to complete the Mental Health in the Community one year course all over the country. We have grown our outreach projects within schools and will continue to promote our positive mental health programmes in communities throughout Ireland. Our Head of Fundraising is supported by her Mentor, Simon Scriver with whom she met six times to get support and guidance on the Fundraising Strategy.
OUR VOLUNTEERS Since its inception, Mental Health Ireland has always relied on volunteers around the country.
We had the pleasure of getting to know some of our long term As Mental Health Associations were formed, local people in supporters and fundraisers a little better this year when we communities got involved to promote mental health and invited them for mince pies at Christmas time. It was a great support people with mental health difficulties. evening of chat and connection. Our ethos is based on the spirit of volunteerism and we rely on We redesigned our donation page on our website to make it the time given unselfishly by the many volunteers who form the easier for people to lodge their donations in a number of ways. backbone of the organisation. MHI’s strength is due in no small measure to the calibre of our volunteers around the country. We are very fortunate to attract volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, including; mental health professionals, people with lived experience, family members and community leaders. MHI values and appreciates the contribution of our volunteers who engage in a variety of recovery focussed service programmes, supporting social integration which plays a vital role for people on a recovery pathway.
We have two main fundraising events in the year. Our Smiley Pancake event takes place on Pancake Tuesday each year. We invite the public to send photos of their Smiley Pancake creations and they can text MHI to 50300 to donate €4. This light-hearted project has proven to be very popular with young children, families, schools and in many workplaces.
MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health 59 3. Developing the Organisation
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT MHI is a registered charity and consults with the Charities Regulatory Authority on an on-going basis to ensure planning for future developments takes place. Currently the agreement is that MHI submits MHAs accounts using MHI’s charity number as an appendix to MHI’s own accounts. This is likely to change in the future with MHAs required to register for their own charity number. Planning has started to anticipate this possible change. The annual charities return was submitted in 2017. We comply with the Governance Code for community, voluntary and charitable organisations in Ireland. We confirm that a review of our organisation’s compliance with the principles in the Code was initiated in December 2017 and will be completed Garda Vetting & Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the first quarter of 2018. MHI supports the network of MHAs in developing capacity This review is based on an assessment of our organisational through training, guidance and the development of standards to practice against the recommended actions for each principle. support the operation of the MHAs. The review sets out actions and completion dates for any issues that the assessment identifies need to be addressed. MHI processes Garda Vetting for all MHAs and other organisations in the mental health sector. MHI migrated to Memorandum & Articles of Association e-vetting in 2016 with the National Vetting Bureau and this has proved to be very successful with a three to four day turnaround Mason Hayes and Curran were commissioned to revise MHI’s of applications. This is dependent on everyone in the process, Memorandum and Articles of Association to bring them fully providing/executing the information required. in line with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014. Following a number of meetings with the Chairperson and During 2017 MHI continued to support MHAs to work to the CEO, the finalised Memorandum & Articles of Association were Charities Regulatory Authority standards using the established approved by the MHI Board and submitted to the Revenue Memorandum of Understanding process introduced by MHI Commissioners for approval prior to circulation to members in in 2016. The MHI Team has worked with individual MHAs to advance of the AGM. ensure that all relevant documentation has been provided to complete the MOU process so that MHI and its affiliated MHAs The expert guidance and assistance of Board Member Alice are operating to the highest standards and are compliant with Murphy was vital to this work and MHI’s comprehensive Memo all relevant legislation. & Articles are now fully updated and describe the work of the organisation in a more accessible and effective manner. A number of MHAs who did not complete the MOU process were advised in writing that they had no permission to use Annual General Meeting 30th September, 2017 MHI’s Charity Number and could not undertake any fund-raising activities. The Annual General Meeting was held in the Ashling Hotel, Fifty-nine MHAs provided the documentation, but many did not Parkgate Street, Dublin on Saturday, 30th September, 2017 with get approval prior to MHI completing their Annual Return to the an attendance of sixty people, including MHA members, Board Charities Regulatory Authority, as a number of their members and Staff. had not completed Garda Vetting. Twenty-two MHAs operate The revised Memorandum & Articles of Association were under their own CHY Number but are affiliated to Mental Health adopted by Special Resolution at the AGM and a copy has been Ireland. lodged with the Revenue Commissioners. In the future, this We anticipate a further reduction and consolidation in the function will rest with the Charities Regulatory Authority. number of MHAs as necessary regulations do involve more John Farrelly, CEO of the Charities Regulatory Authority addressed paperwork and MHAs with an ageing profile may find it difficult the members at the afternoon session on the role of the CRA to recruit new volunteers. It is important that the work of and the need for good Governance. Martin Rogan, CEO, MHI also volunteers is acknowledged and honoured and many volunteers addressed the members on the work of MHI during the year and will wish to continue their work by joining or amalgamating with plans for the future. a neighbouring Association. At the end of 2017, the following MHAs have ceased to operate and either disbanded or amalgamated with another MHA as follows: Drumcondra & District MHA (re-forming in 2018 with
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new members); Athy MHA, Naas/Newbridge/Kildare MHA and Maynooth MHA (re-forming in 2018 as Kildare West Wicklow MHA); Clifden MHA (disbanding), St. Loman’s MHA (disbanding); Crumlin MHA (possible amalgamation). The members of Waterford MHA decided to discontinue their affiliation to MHI. The CEO met with the Committee to gain a greater understanding of their decision. This MHA may re-join at a later stage. We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by so many volunteers who have worked tirelessly over many, many years. MHI would like to thank all of our volunteers who have given so generously of their expertise, talents and time to promote positive mental health and to support people on their way to recovery.
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110 MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Annual Report 2017 NOTES MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND Supporting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing 1-4 Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 284 1166 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mentalhealthireland.ie Twitter: @mentalhealthirl Facebook:/Mental.Health.Ireland