2018 PROGRAMME Saturday 6 October – Sunday 14 October

PROMOTING HEALTH & WELLBEING

Stay Connected

1 1 INTRODUCTION

The promotion of positive mental health and we can do for ourselves and others that wellbeing has always been the focus of Laois will have a positive impact on how we CONNECTS Mental Health Week which feel and cope. takes place from Saturday 6th October, • That we can find out more about the 2018 until Saturday 13th October, 2018. #littlethings and about mental wellbeing Events are organised by Laois Mental Health on www.yourmentalhealth.ie or call the Collaborative Group, whose members Samaritans on 116 123 for a listening include Laois County Council, Laois Sports ear and for 24/7 emotional support. Partnership, Laois Partnership Company, The #littlethings are acts of self-care that Mental Health Ireland, HSE, Laois/Offaly are proven to help us feel better and get ETB and youth sector representatives. The through tough times. Each of the acts are programme for Laois CONNECTS Week is important and doing them can make a big organised around #WorldMentalHealthDay difference to how we feel. on 10th October 2018, which this year puts • Keeping Active a focus on young people and mental health • Talking about your problems in a changing world. Laois CONNECTS is • Doing things with others now in its eighth year. • Eating healthily It is important for us as a community to • Staying in touch learn more about our mental health and • Drinking less alcohol understand its impact in our daily lives. The • Looking out for others overall aim of the week of Laois CONNECTS • Sleeping well is to encourage our communities to talk The Laois CONNECTS brochure highlights about mental health, to reduce the stigma the many activities that will take place associated with mental health difficulties during the week. There are events for all and to encourage the seeking of help at ages to attend free of charge. A list of times of crisis. It is also important that we support agencies that can be accessed in learn how to support a person experiencing is also outlined. mental health difficulties and are therefore To book a place on any of the events which in a position to contribute to the overall are available throughout the week of Laois mental wellbeing of our communities. CONNECTS programme please contact #Littlethings Campaign the relevant contact for the event or the Community Development Section, Laois #Littlethings is the County Council, Tel: 057 86 64107 or national mental health email: [email protected]. and wellbeing campaign supported by the HSE. The campaign shares three messages: • That we all experience challenges and stresses in life, ups and downs are normal – the day to day difficulties that are an ordinary, everyday part of life, like stress, grief, feeling down, worried, being anxious. • That there are evidence-based things that

2 WALKS

Monday 8th October Walking Group 7.30pm Assemble at Cullohil Community Hall Ciara McEvoy 086 1717546 or Therese Drennan 087 216 0744 Free of Charge, All Welcome Tuesday 9th October Walking Group 09.45am in association with Mountmellick CS and Scoil Phadraig Naofa Assemble at Emo Court Car Park Tina Furlong 086 1020431 Free of Charge. All Welcome Tuesday 9th October Ramblers Walking Group 11.00am Assemble St. Fintans Hall Carpark, Mountrath Anne Delaney 087 9067386 Free of Charge, All Welcome Tuesday 9th October Port Trail Walking Group 6.00pm Assemble at Oriel House, Portarlington Donie Molloy 086 3288858 Free of Charge, All Welcome Tuesday 9th October Swan Walkers 7.00pm The Swan Inn Marian Condren 086 3850905 or Sandra Knowles 085 7813598 Free of Charge, All Welcome Tuesday 9th October Stepping Out Walking Group 7.45pm Portlaoise Leisure Centre Maureen Culleton 087 9395670 Free of Charge, All Welcome Wednesday 10th October Walking Group 10.30am Beside Parochial House, Stradbally Ann Simpson 086 8465876 Free of Charge, All Welcome Wednesday 10th October Walking Group 7.30pm Marion Centre Rathdowney Ciara Carroll 087 6766893 or Avril O’Connor 085 1620388 Free of Charge, All Welcome Thursday 11th October Portlaoise Stepping Out Walking Group 7.45pm Portlaoise Leisure Centre Maureen Culleton 087 9395670 Free of Charge, All Welcome Friday 12th October Cullohill Walking Group 7.30pm Community Hall, Cullohill Ciara McEvoy 086 1717546 or Therese Drennan 087 2160744 Free of Charge, All Welcome Sunday 14th October Rossmore Forrest Walk 12.30pm Leaving from Oisín Park Pat Whelan 086 1657435 Open walk, all welcome

2 3 SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER

Vicarstown Parkrun/Walk – 5K Grand Canal Bank , 9.30am Free family 5k fun run/walk to mark the start of Laois Connects 2018 at Grand Canal Bank, Vicarstown followed by tea/coffee and chats in the old school. Don’t forget to register for free on www.parkrun.ie to get your barcode and time your run. People often describe a lack of time, motivation, skills, access to facilities, and social support as reasons for not being active. A parkrun is somewhat unique among organised running events in that it is free, happens on a weekly basis, and requires no minimum fitness level. Vicarstown Parkrun and Junior Parkrun hold weekly free times runs. Supported by Laois Sports Partnership in association with Vicarstown Parkrun. All welcome. Free of charge.

SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER

Junior Parkrun/Walk 2k Grand Canal Bank, Vicarstown, 11am 2k run for junior only (4-14 year olds) Supported by Laois Sports Partnership in association with Vicarstown Parkrun. All kids welcome. Free of charge. Register at www.parkrun.ie/register.

MONDAY 8TH OCTOBER

Wellness Workshop Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, 9.30am – 5pm. Registration at 9:00am A Wellness Workshop is a day for you to take time out and learn a wide range of practical tools and tips that you can use in your everyday life to improve your own wellness. This one-day workshop, which is facilitated by SOS (Suicide or Survive) aims to help you understand and take charge of your own mental health. The workshop is for anyone and everyone as we all have mental health! www.wellnessworkshop.ie. Suzanne O’Connor, Laois PPN. Phone: 057-8665661 or 086-7782551. Email: [email protected]. Booking required as places are limited. Book online at https://tinyurl.com/colaois.

4 MONDAY 8TH OCTOBER

Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resilience – #ACEs Workshop Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, Harpur’s Ln, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 1.00pm – 5.00pm Connected for Life are a Belfast based organisation that provides training on Attachment, Resilience, Trauma Informed Practice and Adversity in relation to children & teenagers. This half day workshop will: • Introduce the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study. • Outline the mechanisms by which ACEs lead to poor health and social outcomes – Toxic stress and its impact on the brain, body, attachment, core beliefs and self-regulation. • Explore the concept of resilience. • Use case studies and practice examples to consider ACEs/ resilience in practice. All Welcome. Please book in advance as places are limited 057 8686151.

Complimentary Yoga Class Rathdowney Community Hub, Rathdowney GAA Club, 7.00pm Yoga has many benefits, such as reducing physical tension, aiding relaxation and reducing anxiety. Rathdowney Errill Community Hub are offering their weekly adults class for Laois Connects Week. James Kelly Laois Sports Partnership 057 8671248 or [email protected]. All welcome. Free of Charge.

Supporting Parents to Support Their Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing The Heath National School, The Heath, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 XW40, 7:45pm By Guest Speaker Sharon Hayden, National Parent’s Council. This programme supports parents to encourage and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in their children. The programme also explores how the building of resilience in children helps them to manage and cope with the day to day stresses of life as they occur. Parents who attend this session will: • Explore the factors that influence mental health and well being in their child. • Learn how to build and nurture resilience within their own child. • Understand what children need for positive mental health and well being • Look at ways in promoting wellbeing in your children • Be given tips on how best to support their child’s positive mental health and wellbeing. For further details, contact Leona Conroy on 086 340390. All Welcome. Free of Charge.

4 5 TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Complementary Therapies for Mental Health Golden Egg Holistic Studio, Glenfield, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 10.00am Mental illness is not confined to the mind. Its symptoms can manifest in the body’s nervous system, affecting moods, the immune system, thought processes and perception. Reflexology, massage and aromatherapy can improve mental health by stimulating the nervous and lymphatic systems, encouraging a release of feel-good hormones and endorphins, which are can help to relieve stress and anxiety. 12/14 People Maximum. Free of charge. Phone Catriona on 087 6011 797.

Tea and Chat hosted by Laois Travellers Action Group Laois Travellers Action Group Peppers Court (LTAG), James Fintan Lalor Ave, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 10.30am – 1.00pm The morning will focus on ways to take time out for yourself. There will be a guest speaker from Exchange House and the project’s Primary Health Care workers will facilitate the morning. All welcome. Contact Niamh Fingleton, Coordinator LTAG Primary Health Care Programme. Booking: 057 86 82210

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Portlaoise Library, 11.00am Mountrath Library, 2.30pm A sense of separation from the natural world is widely viewed as a symptom of modern life. This workshop will highlight how plants and gardening can facilitate an improvement in physical and mental well-being through reconnecting with nature. Facilitated by Caitriona Kelly, GIY Ireland. Prior booking essential. Portlaoise Contact 057 86 22333. Mountrath Contact 057 87 56378.

Body Stretch & Balance Peoples Park, Portarlington 1.00pm-1.40pm Ideal for anyone and everyone, Body Stretch & Balance is a yoga-based class that will improve your mind, your body and your life. During the session an inspired soundtrack plays as you bend and stretch through a series of simple yoga moves and embrace elements of Tai Chi and Pilates. You’ll strengthen your entire body and leave the class feeling calm, centered & happy. Mats are provided & an indoor venue will be organised if weather is unsuitable. Booking essential. Contact Laois County Council by email: [email protected] or phone: 057 8664058. The sessions will be delivered by professional instructors. Each session will last 40 mins.

6 TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Understanding Self-Harm Behaviour Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, Harpur’s Ln, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 2.00pm – 4.00pm This workshop will be delivered by Josephine Rigney, HSE Suicide Resource Officer, and will provide information on recognising and supporting those who may be engaging in self-harm behaviour. Learn about the reasons why people may self-harm, those who may be most at risk, the motivations and functions behind their behavior and the services that are available to assist and help. Pam Bergin, Co-ordinator, Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. Please book in advance: 057 868 6151, email: [email protected]. Refreshments served.

SafeTALK (suicide alertness programme) Laois Education Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise, 6.00pm – 9.30pm SafeTALK is a 3½ hr ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe). Learn how to recognise, understand and support someone who may be vulnerable. Booking essential as places are limited. Contact Josephine Rigney, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention. Booking: 086-8157850 or [email protected].

Well-Being, Self-Care and Mindfulness for the Parent Mountmellick Library, 7.00pm This talk will explore the practice of self-care for the parent in order to improve life for themselves and for those around them. Parents will also learn how to share these practices with their children. Facilitated by Ann-Marie Ireland, ChillOut Ireland. All Welcome. Contact 057 86 44572

WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER

Post Primary School Public Speaking Competition Mountmellick Library, 10.30am Mountmellick Community School will run a public speaking competition. Entry is open to all Laois Post Primary schools. Contact Frances Kerry on 057 86 24220.

6 7 AM

SATURDAY • 5K Parkrun/Walk – Vicarstown @ 9.30am 6TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY • 2K Junior Parkrun/Walk – Vicarstown @ 11am 7TH OCTOBER

MONDAY • Wellness Workshop – Killeshin Hotel, Registration @ 9am 8TH OCTOBER

• Complementary Therapies for Mental Health – Golden Egg Holistic Studio @10am TUESDAY • Tea and Chat Hosted by LTAG – Peppers Court, Portlaoise @ 10:30am 9TH OCTOBER • Social and Therapeutic Horticulture – Portlaoise Library @ 11am • Mountrath Ramblers Walking Group @ 11.00am

• Post Primary School Public Speaking Competition – Mountmellick Library WEDNESDAY @ 10.30am 10TH OCTOBER • Walk with Stradbally Walking Group @ 10.30am

• The Little Things You Can Do for Your Wellbeing – Portlaoise Family THURSDAY Resource Centre @ 9.00am 11TH OCTOBER • Activity Fest – Community Centre @ 11am

FRIDAY • safeTALK – Millcourt Community Building @ 9.30am 12TH OCTOBER • Introduction to Yoga for Adults – Library @ 11am

• 5K Parkrun/Walk – Vicarstown @ 9.30am SATURDAY • Mindful Colouring: Workshop for Children 13TH OCTOBER – Stradbally Library @10.15am – Library @ 12.00 noon

SUNDAY • Rossmore Forrest Walk @ 12.30pm 14TH OCTOBER • 2K Junior Parkrun/Walk – Vicarstown @ 11am

8 Events at a Glance...

PM

• Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resilience Workshop – Portlaoise Family Resource Centre @ 2pm • Complimentary Yoga Class – Rathdowney Errill Community Hub @ 7pm MONDAY • Walk with Cullohill Walking Group @ 7.30pm 8TH OCTOBER • Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health & Welbeing – The Heath National School @ 7.45pm

• Social and Therapeutic Horticulture – Mountrath Library @ 2.30pm • Understanding Self-Harm Behaviour – Portlaoise Family Resource Centre @ 2pm • Social and Therapeutic Horticulture – Mountrath Library @ 2:30pm • SafeTALK – Laois Education Centre @ 6pm TUESDAY • Port Trail Walking Group @ 6pm 9TH OCTOBER • Well-being, Self-care and Minfulness for the Parent – Mountmellick Library @ 7pm • Walk with Swan Walkers – The Swan Inn @ 7pm • Portlaoise Stepping Out Walking Group – Portlaoise Leisure Centre @ 7.45pm

• The Therapeutic Benefit of Art – Portlaoise Library @ 1pm • Introduction to Mindfulness – Youth Work Ireland Laois @ 6pm • Yoga – Youth Work Ireland Laois @ 7pm WEDNESDAY • Sound Meditation Class – Golden Egg Holistic Studio @ 7pm 10TH OCTOBER • S’porting The Little Things – Council HQ @ 7.30pm • Walk with Rathdowney Walking Group @ 7.30pm • Relax with Art – Mary Slevin Artist @ 7:30pm

• Social Club – Laois Alzheimer Society Resource Centre @ 2.30pm THURSDAY • Portlaoise Stepping Out Walking Group – Portlaoise Leisure Centre @ 7.45pm 11TH OCTOBER

• “Reconnect” Pottery Workshop – Laois Arthouse @ 4pm FRIDAY • Kathleen Gorman Memorial Talk – Timahoe Community Centre @ 7.30pm 12TH OCTOBER • Walk with Cullohill Walking Group @ 7.30pm

8 9 WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER

Positive Mental Health for Young Children 11:30am – 12:30pm This talk will introduce parents, teachers and anyone working with children to fun, creative and child friendly methods of promoting children’s positive mental health and wellbeing from an early age. Louise Shanagher is a children’s therapist, mindfulness teacher and Psychology Lecturer. She provides creative and wellbeing workshops, mindfulness classes as well as individual therapy sessions. She is the author of three books: The “Mindfully Me” series, Ireland’s first series of mindfulness books for children. Please book in advance as places are limited 057 8686151.

Body Stretch & Balance Pairc an Phobail, Portlaoise, 1.00pm-1.40pm Ideal for anyone and everyone, Body Stretch & Balance is a yoga-based class that will improve your mind, your body and your life. During the session an inspired soundtrack plays as you bend and stretch through a series of simple yoga moves and embrace elements of Tai Chi and Pilates. You’ll strengthen your entire body and leave the class feeling calm, centered & happy. Mats are provided & an indoor venue will be organised if weather is unsuitable. Booking essential. Contact Laois County Council by email: [email protected] or phone: 057 8664058. The sessions will be delivered by professional instructors. Each session will last 40 mins.

The Therapeutic Benefit of Art Portlaoise Library, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 1.00pm Art therapy focuses on the inherent therapeutic nature of creative expression. Along with explaining the theory and the benefits of art therapy, this workshop also will include an experiential element for participants through the creation of an art piece. Aisling Brennan, True Self, True Art. Prior booking essential. Contact 057 86 22333.

Introduction to Mindfulness Youth Work Ireland Laois, James Fintan Lawlor Ave, Portlaoise, 6.00pm – 7.00pm Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. All welcome. 20 places available. Call Clive on 057 8665010 to book or scan the code for online booking. (Download QR Code reader on your phone).

10 WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER

Yoga Youth Work Ireland Laois, James Fintan Lawlor Ave, Portlaoise, 7.00pm – 8.00pm Yoga can improve your heart health, reduce stress – and even help you sleep. Come along for one hour of Yoga, regardless of your fitness level and flexibility (or lack thereof!) All welcome. 20 places available. Please bring a mat. Call Clive on 057 8665010 to book or scan the QR code below for online booking. (Download QR Code reader on your phone).

Sound Meditation Class Golden Egg Holistic Studio, Glenfield, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland, 7.00pm – 8.00pm Stress is the underlying cause of many physical conditions and it melts away with ease when you are bathed in a sea of sound healing vibrations. Emotional imbalances are at the root of many physical diseases and when we heal our emotional bodies, the physical symptoms disappear. Sound and emotions are deeply connected. Conversely, sound can be used to unlock the blocked emotions and release them. Mats and blankets are provided. 12/14 People Maximum, Free of charge. Phone Catriona on 087 6011 797.

S’porting The Little Things Leinster Council HQ, Portlaoise, 7.30pm Talk with guest speaker’s Colin Regan, Majella Canty (Samaritans GAA Co-ordinator), Mark Keane (former Limerick Hurler) and Josephine Rigney, HSE. Talk on practical supports clubs can use for positive health & wellbeing and how to overcome adversity by reaching out. The Little Things Campaign and also re-launch of GAA Wellness Board. Laois Sports Partnership with Laois GAA and HSE.

Relax with Art Mary Slevin Artist, Mount Henry Art Studio, , Portarlington, Co. Laois, 7:30pm - 9:30pm Take time out for yourself, unwind in a rural setting and let the brush do it’s magic as you create a landscape painting. All welcome. 10 places available. Booking essential. Enquires to Mary Slevin on 087 906 3363. Email: [email protected].

10 11 THURSDAY 11TH OCTOBER

The Little Things You Can Do for Your Wellbeing Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, Harpur’s Ln, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 9.00am – 11.00am We are experience challenges and stresses in our lives but there are acts of self-care that are proven to help us feel better and get through the tough times. Presenter: Anthony O’Prey, Health Promotion Worker. Contact: Pam Bergin, Co-ordinator, Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. Phone: 057 8686151. Email: [email protected].

The Little Things you can do for your Wellbeing 9:30am – 11:30am This session will be delivered by Anthony O’Prey, HSE Health Promotion Officer, and will focus on how we all experience difficult times in our lives, and that when we do, there are some simple, evidence-based little things that can make a big difference to how we feel. These #littlethings can help us to cope but there are also supports and services we can use if we need to. Continental breakfast available for all participants, please book in advance 057 8686151

Activity Fest Timahoe Community Centre, Timahoe, Co. Laois, 11am to 1pm A fun filled morning of Go for Life activities & Go Games, walk, followed by tea and light refreshments. SVT Activity & Wellness Hub. All welcome, pre booking for groups required. Free of charge. Contact Majella Fennelly (057) 8671248. Email: [email protected].

Body Stretch & Balance Amenity Park, Mountrath, 1.00pm – 1.40pm Ideal for anyone and everyone, Body Stretch & Balance is a yoga-based class that will improve your mind, your body and your life. Mats are provided & an indoor venue will be organised if weather is unsuitable. Booking essential. Contact Laois County Council by email: [email protected] or phone: 057 8664058.

Social Club Laois Alzheimer Society Resource Centre, 47 Main St., Portlaoise, 2.30–4.30pm Laois Alzheimers Society holds their Social Club at their Resource Centre for people with Dementia and their carers. This is a very relaxed informal event where activities, fun and chat can be shared over a cup of tea. All welcome. Free of charge. Enquiries to Ann Munnelly, Home-care Coordinator on 057 866 3398/086 837 2168. Email: [email protected].

12 FRIDAY 12TH OCTOBER

safeTALK (suicide alertness programme) Millcourt Community Building, Greenmill Lane, Portlaoise, 9.30am – 1pm SafeTALK is a 3½ hr ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe). Learn how to recognise, understand and support someone who may be vulnerable. Booking essential as places are limited. Bookings: Josephine Rigney, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Mobile: 086-8157850, email: [email protected]. Enquiries: Petra Daly, Community Development Worker, Laois Partnership, Mobile: 087 3331089, email: [email protected].

Introduction to Yoga for Adults Abbeyleix Library, 11.00am As a form of exercise for both the mind and body, yoga is becoming ever increasingly popular. This practical demonstration will provide an introduction for the beginner to the basic principles involved. Participants to wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats will be supplied. Oonagh Hoey, Warrior Yoga. Prior booking essential. Contact: 057 87 30020.

“Reconnect” Pottery Workshop Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co. Laois, 4.00pm – 6.00pm Join us for a free workshop with ceramic artist Cathy Whelan, artist and educator. Working with clay is a natural way to connect with the present moment and alleviate stress. This workshop will explore the therapeutic nature of clay through simple techniques and mindful movements. Participants will get a chance to create a unique piece of work in a creative and relaxed environment. This workshop is suitable for all levels, no previous experience is necessary. Participants are advised to bring an apron. Free of Charge. Booking essential as places are limited. Phone: 057 8664033/13, Email: [email protected].

Kathleen Gorman Memorial Talk – “Power of Wellbeing in your Community” Timahoe Community Centre, 7.30pm John Connell is an award winning Author, journalist, farmer, playwright, Walkley winner. No 1 bestseller The Cow Book (Granta) Out now! USA: The Farmers Son (HMH) 2019. Rep of “The Cow Book: A story of life on a family farm.” His story is about how a family farm helped to overcome depression. “Got a beef with life? Try talking to some cows.” Supported by Laois Sports Partnership with Mental Health Ireland and SVT Activity & Wellness Hub. Contact Majella Fennelly Laois Sports Partnership 057 86 71248, Finola Colgan Mental Health Ireland 086 8353387.

12 13 SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER

Vicarstown Parkrun/Walk – 5K Grand Canal Bank Vicarstown, 9.30am Free family 5k fun run/walk followed by tea & chats. Register for free on www.parkrun.ie. Supported by Laois Sports Partnership in association with Vicarstown Parkrun. All welcome. Free of charge.

Mindful Colouring: Workshop for Children Stradbally Library, 10.15am Ballylinan Library, 12.00 noon Mindful colouring is a great way to bring a little calm into the day! The children will be guided through the process of using mindfulness colouring sheets as a way to improve concentration and for relaxation. Suitable for ages 8-12 years. Caroline Keane (Art Classes with Caroline Keane). Prior booking essential. Contact: Stradbally Library 057 86 41673, Ballylinan Library 059 86 25007.

SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER

Junior Parkrun/Walk 2k Grand Canal Bank, Vicarstown, 11am 2k run for junior only (4-14 year olds). Supported by Laois Sports Partnership in association with Vicarstown Parkrun. All kids welcome. Free of charge. Register at www.parkrun.ie/register

OTHER EVENTS

Mental Health Awareness Survey To celebrate Laois CONNECTS Week, Mountmellick Community School will undertake research into services and support available to young people in Laois as well as awareness and usage of those services. Their aim is to raise awareness by collating information and presenting it back to the Board of Management of all schools.

14 HELP & SUPPORT CONTACT NUMBERS

H.S.E. SERVICES Domestic Violence Support Services (Laois) 057 86 71100 Adult Counselling Service 1800 234 113 Domestic Violence Support Services (Carlow) 1800 444 944 Midlands Office: (Victims of Abuse) 057 93 27141 Family Resource Centre: Portlaoise 057 86 86151 Adult Homelessness (Liaison Nurse) 087 610 7011 Foroige (Regional Office) 090 64 48947 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) 057 86 96152 Gardai 999 or 112 from mobile Community Alcohol & Drug Service 057 86 92516 GROW: Regional Office 057 93 51124 Triogue Community Mental Health Centre Portlaoise 057 86 22925 Information Line 1890 474 474 Health Centre, Portlaoise 057 86 21135 Laois County Library 057 86 22333 (C.W.O., Public Health, Social Work, Psychology) Mental Health Ireland: Area Development Officer 086 835 3387 Health Promotion 057 93 57800 National Office 01 284 1166 Midlands Crisis Pregnancy Counselling 1800 200 857 Merchants Quay Ireland Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise 057 86 21364 Midlands Project 090 64 17097 MiDoc Out of Hours GP Service 1850 302 702 Outreach Team 087 95 12989 Psychiatry Dept., Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise 057 86 96396 Midlands Regional Youth Services 057 93 24724 Resource Office for Suicide Prevention 086 815 7320 Youth Work Ireland Midlands 090 64 77075 Midlands Simon Community LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ACCORD, Portlaoise 057 86 61581 Regional Office 090 64 44641 MYDAS - Under 18 Drug & Alchol Support Service 086 4682745 Emergency Accommodation Athlone 090 64 50280 Barnardos Family Support Services 057 93 26803 Emergency Accommodation Tullamore 087 635 9760 1850 222 300 Money Advice & Budgeting Service 0761 07 2620 Family Carers Ireland 086 795 7086 National Helpline: 0761 07 2000 1800 240 724 Email: [email protected] Citzens Information Centres: 076 1075 590 Portlaoise Parish Centre 057 86 21142 Cuisle Cancer Support Centre 057 86 81492 Portlaoise Youth Café 057 86 65010 St. Vincent De Paul Portlaoise 057 86 60486 SHINE: Regional Office 057 93 51931 087 76 55793 Information Line 1890 621 631 Farm and Rural Stress Helpline 1800 742 645 COUNSELLING Gamblers Anonymous 01 872 1133 PCI Counselling Service Midlands Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 (reduced cost) (11am-6pm) 0818 555 450 Gay Switchboard 01 872 1055 Online counselling www.turn2me.org/engage LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539 NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS HSE Information Helpline 1850 241 850 Active Retirement Information 01 873 3836 Men’s Sheds www.mensheds.ie 057 86 62732 Al/ Anon/Alateen 01 873 2699 Missing Persons Helpline 1890 442 552 Alcoholic Anonymous 01 842 0700 MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence) 090 647 2174 AMEN (Violence Against Men) 046 902 3718 National Office for Victims of Abuse 1800 252 524 Aware: Helpline 1800 80 4848 One Parent Families Support Helpline 1890 662 212 Email Support [email protected] Parentline 1890 927 277 BeLonG to (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trangendered) 01 670 6223 Pieta House (Prevention of Suicide & Self Harm) Bodywhys (Eating Disorders Association) 01 283 4963 Dublin Centre 01 601 0000 Helpline 1890 200 444 Limerick Centre 061 484 444 Cancer National Helpline 1890 200 700 Roscrea Centre 0505 22568 CARI (Child Sexual Abuse Counselling) Helpline 1890 924 567 Senior Helpline 1850 440 444 Connect Adult Abuse Counselling Service 1800 477 477 Samaritans 116 123 24/7 Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Email: [email protected] Text: 087 260 9090 Text ‘help’ to 51444 Rape Crisis Centre Helpline: Athlone (Midlands) 1800 306 600 Childline 1800 666 666 Dublin 1800 778 888 Cura (Crisis Pregnancy) 1850 622 626 Teenline Ireland Helpline (8pm-11pm) 1800 833 634 Domestic Violence Helpline 059 9173552 Treoir (Unmarried Parents Support) 1890 252 084 Drugs/HIV Helpline 1800 459 459 Women’s Aid National Helpline 1800 341 900

14 15 AWARE SUPPORT LINE 1800 80 48 48

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES HSE Community Mental Health Centres Portlaoise 057 86 22925 Tullamore 057 93 15900 Birr 057 91 23043 Department of Psychiatry: 057 86 96396

16