Mental Health Promotion event was a big success

A total of 600 people attended a one day Mental Health Promotion event organised by HSE Sligo/ Leitrim Mental Health Services entitled “Change Your Mind Festival” which took place recently in the Clayton Hotel.

The aim of the festival is to raise awareness regarding the importance of prevention and fight against stigma in mental health. People of all ages had the opportunity to enjoy the countless activities that were on offer.

Dr Ignazio Graffeo Psychiatry Registrar with Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services and one of chief organisers of the festival said that they were very happy with the event.

He said: “We are extremely thankful to those who came to the festival and supported us with their presence and their kind words.

“We created an atmosphere with no barriers, no prejudices, positive and constructive that opens new scenarios for the future of Mental Health,” he added.

The festival started at 10am with a 5km charity walk/run on site. This was followed by traditional American Irish Folk Music with Rick Epping, Leonard Barry & Friends. During the day attendees had the opportunity to listen to more than 20 mental health professionals from within the HSE and from a number of other organisations speak about positive mental health and stigma prevention.

There were also a vast array of workshops for children to attend.

There was storytelling with Happily ever After Storytelling, and a fitness class for children with Rinka North Sligo.

Throughout the day various demonstrations took place including Arts & Crafts, Painting, Baking and Cooking. A number of Arts & Crafts were on display including a display of artworks produced by service users. ‘We drum Ireland’ hosted a drumming workshop for all ages. Finally those attending the festival rocked out the evening with The Mass Band from Sligo and The RobotRock from Dublin. There was a surcharge to complete the 5k Charity walk/run of €10 for adults and €5 for children. All monies collected from this will go towards Sligo and Leitrim Mental Health Associations.