Commemoration mass focuses awareness around mental health
BALLINDAGGIN church was packed recently for the annual commemoration mass for people who lost loved ones through mental health.
The mass was organised in conjunction with Macra na Feirme and See Change - the national organisation dedicated to reducing stigma attached to mental health related issues.
The mass attracted a capacity congregation to the church where Ballindaggin Choir performed along with Mick Kavanagh and Jim Redmond, who performed the self-penned song, ‘Back to Light’ at the end of the mass.
During the mass Barbara Brennan, from See Change, highlighted to the congregation the importance of ‘community’.
Following the mass she expressed delight at being able to attend and said it was ‘an absolute honour’ to speak at it.
‘The readings were about courage, individual responsibility, and conversation,’ commented Ms Brennan.
In her own speech she touched on a number of different topics and highlighted the importance of people ‘making a difference’.
She said that difference is needs throughout the world not just in localised society.
Ms Brennan said ‘each of us can have an untold impact on another person’s life’ [and] ‘we each have a responsibility for our own wellbeing’.
She also emphasised that nobody has all the answers and commented: ‘Listening is a gift we can all give and it’s never too late to reach out for help.’
Significantly, Ms Brennan also highlighted that people shouldn’t ‘wait’ to reach out to others.
‘Being part of a community is powerful,’ she said.
‘We’re part of something bigger than ourselves [and] there is strength in numbers,’ she added.
The mass was spearheaded by local See Change ambassador, Patrick Hipwell, and he told this newspaper that the mass was a great success and very well attended.
Among those in attendance were Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Cathal Byrne and newly elected Wexford TD, Deputy Malcolm Byrne.
See Change holds a green ribbon campaign in May each year. The organisation’s work is based around guidance from people with real life experience of mental health difficulties as they are best placed to give insight into the stigma surrounding such issues.
Macra na Feirme is also involved in mental health awareness initiatives with the ‘Make the Moove - Farmers Matter’ workshop campaign beginning last year.
That’s aimed at challenging farmers to think about how they approach their work, their well-being and their personal lives.
Mr Hipwell thanked Ms Brennan for attending the mass in Ballindaggin and he also acknowledged Fr Jim Fegan for his support and help.