Free talk on Mental Health issues

A gay member of the traveller community will tell his story at a free public event on Mental Health issues in the Riverside Hotel next Monday.

It’s part of World Mental Health Week which takes place from October 9 th-15 th. Sligo Traveller Support Group have organised the event entitled ‘ Travellers And The Importance Of A Healthy Mind’.

Speakers at the event include Darren Collins who last year appeared on both the Ray D’Arcy Show and RTE Radio with Sean O’ Rourke talking about his own battles with poor mental health as a gay Traveller, Fr Peter McVerry who has been a tireless and lifelong advocate for people impacted by homelessness, Patricia McKeever, team leader and suicide prevention trainer at Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service, Tomas Murphy Area Director of Nursing Mental Health Services and and the Primary Healthcare team at Sligo Traveller Support Group.

Jamie Murphy from the Sligo Traveller Support Group and the organiser of the event said, “There is a well documented mental health crisis taking place across the country at the moment and there isn’t a community that has not been devastated by the impact of suicide. The morning is focused around Travellers and mental health but the message of encouraging people to reach out for support in time of need is a universal one for all communities. The event on Monday October 9 th from 11am to 1pm. For more information: 0719145780.