How to create and use ‘me time’ and discovering the lost art of smudging

AWARE, Ireland’s national mental health charity, has launched a volunteer recruitment campaign for its Mallow Support and Self-Care Group.

The Mallow Support and Self-Care Group meets weekly to facilitate peer-to-peer support for individuals who experience depression, bipolar disorder or mood-related conditions. Each meeting is facilitated by two volunteers and has an average of eight attendees. The group meets at the Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, Fair Street, every Thursday evening from 8-9.30pm.

It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 people experiencing depression in Ireland at any one time, while there are approximately 45,000 people here diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Depression and bipolar disorder are mental health conditions that affect our thinking, energy, feelings and behaviour. While they can vary from mild to severe, and impact on our relationships, family and work lives, it is possible to find ways to manage the conditions, and to lead healthy and productive lives.

According to Bríd O’Meara, Aware’s Director of Services, volunteers gain as much as they give in the Mallow Support and Self-Care Group:

“Our more than 400 volunteers nationwide are a crucial lifeline for people impacted by depression and bipolar disorder. They play a key part in our work supporting people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and mood-related conditions, and are passionate about nurturing people’s positive mental health.

“The Mallow Support and Self-Care Group provides an opportunity for people with depression and bipolar disorder to avail of peer support in a safe, facilitated space that is non-directive and non-judgemental. Most importantly, participants are treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

“We know from people who have volunteered that it is hugely rewarding for them. There is a real feelgood factor in giving something back, while also developing their own life skills and talents in the process.”

Volunteers will need to be over 25 years, and should have good communication skills and be comfortable speaking in a group setting.

They will also need to be available to facilitate the group for three hours, once a week, for a minimum of 18 months. Comprehensive training is provided to volunteers, and so no prior qualifications or experience is required.

People interested in registering their interest to become a volunteer can email Emma at recruitment@aware.ie or telephone 01 237 4926. Training for the next volunteer intake commences on Saturday February 22.

If you are worried about depression or bipolar disorder, please call the Aware Support Line on Freephone 1800 80 48 48.

Meanwhile, Charleville Further Education and Training Centre have an array of free education programmes on offer.

One course in particular for which recruits are being sought is a ‘me time’ course which is aimed at anyone who needs 2 hours a week to relax and meet other people in a group setting.

“The session will start with a guided relaxation with the burning of sage which is known as smudging,” said course organiser Sadie Allen.

Smudging is one of the ways to energetically cleanse a space to invite positive energy. When smudging a space, you burn plant material. The smoke fills and purifies the environment. As the smoke ascends, our wishes and intentions rise and mingle into the universe, connecting heaven, earth and humanity.

Following this the group will put together a positivity journal full of pictures, songs and sayings that they like and can reflect back on in time.

In the session the group are introductory to using the Tibetan bowl which is an ancient Indian tradition, Singing bowls or Tibetan bowls not only look great, they also have many amazing healing and transformative properties.

They have many health benefits including reducing blood pressure, improving immune system, improves circulation and blood flow. It’s an opportunity for people to explore ways to relax, meet new people and enjoy a cuppa.

This programme will run one morning a week every Tuesday from the 21st Jan. The tutor is Niamh Twohig recently see on Nation Wide TV programme with her Healing through the Arts Programme.

To book a place contact @CharlevilleFET on Facebook or Tel CorkETB on 06381422