Mental health group welcomes support with open arms

OPEN Arms Kerry’s (OAK) chairman and founder, Gerard Collins, last week welcomed the huge support that the mental health group received at the group’s recent public meeting in the Rose Hotel.

“It went very well, we had almost 70 people show up so it was good to see such a big crowd showing their support, said Gerard, talking to The Kerryman on Friday.

Founded last year, the community and voluntary led mental health support group is looking to set up a 24/7 drop in crisis centre in Tralee, and judging by the success that the group has had over recent weeks, the future is bright.

“We’ve managed to secure a building above Kennelly’s Pharmacy on Castle Street, kindly donated by the Kennelly family, and it’ll be a great base to begin with. Further down the line we will be looking hopefully for a much larger premises, but for now, this building will be the Nucleus of the OAK group.”

“At the moment, the only services that we’ll be offering from our office will be an ear to listen – we have several counsellors and therapists who have offered there own time and are willing to offer help to all those who may need it, which is wonderful.”

“We took the details of 52 people at the meeting so we now have over 100 people in our database from all sectors and walks of life who are also willing to lend heir support. We are hoping to hold meetings all across different towns across Kerry over the coming months – that’s one of our aims.”

“We’re looking at a September 10 launch date and this will coincide with World Suicide Day. We’ll open the offices that day and that evening there will be a suicide vigil down in Pearse Park.”

“Anyone who wants to help out in any capacity only needs to get in contact with us; it doesn’t matter if you think that you have nothing to offer - we are saying that everyone has something to offer, no matter how big or small.” he said.

Speakers at the meeting included Noreen Murphy of Lisheen House, Mike Glavin, Cormac Williams of the Psychiatric Nursing Association and Gerard Collins, Chair and Founder of the OAK group.

Anyone interested in offering their support to the OAK group can do so by emailing info@ openarmskerry.ie

Photos by Fergus Dennehy. Open Arms Kerry members Tommy Creegan, Roger Harty, Mags Knightly, Noren Murphy, John O’ Sullivan, Mick Kerins, Ger Collins, Cormac Williams, Sue Griffin and Joan Murphy pictured in the Rose Hotel last week for an information evening.

Philomena Duggan, Teresa O’ Shea, Maura Walsh and Christina Mulligan showing their support for the Open Arms Kerry.