Putting mental health in the frame
FORMER news presenter and current Wexford Ambassador Anne Doyle officially opened the annual Wexford Mental Health art exhibition in Henrietta Street on the first night of Wexford Festival Opera.
Ms Doyle spoke of the wonderful work being undertaken by Wexford Mental Health in promoting positive mental health and engaging with young people through art, music and sport.
She said it is important to reach out to people when they are experiencing turbulence in their lives and she encouraged those who need support to accept the assistance of those who reach out to them in dark times.
Ms. Doyle was so impressed by the standard of art on display that she left the exhibition having purchased two of the artworks.
Guest speaker, Deputy James Browne, the Fianna Fail spokesman on Health, complimented the artists on their work and commended Wexford Mental Health for giving an opportunity to local artists to display their work in such a pleasant setting.
He promised that he will always fight to ensure that mental health services are supported in County Wexford.
Deputy Browne called for more emphasis by Government departments and agencies on the importance of art, not just
in helping people to recover but also in the promotion of well-being and the prevention of mental health problems.
Wexford Mental Health Association chairman Fr. Colm Murphy congratulated the organising and commended the artists on their work.
Since its establishment 40 years ago, WMH been a leader in the promotion of mental
health and has actively cared for those who suffer from mental illness, he said.
Many of the initiatives started by the association have been adopted by the HSE and are now standard procedures within the health authority
Fr. Murphy reminded the audience that WMH is run by volunteers and urged those present to consider volunteering
themselves to carry on the very worthwhile work of the association.
The CEO of Mental Health Ireland, Martin Rogan said that he was delighted to be invited to such a positive and worthwhile event and he commended the creativity of the artists on display.
He encouarged members of the public to visit the exhibition
at a quiet time, so that they can reflect on and really take in the work and the thoughts and emotions that are invested in the artworks.
Alice Doyle, a member of the board of directors of Wexford MHA, thanked all the speakers for their contributions and reminded the audience that the association has always been at the forefront of innovations.
The exhibition featuring the work of amateur artists, will continue at weekends for the duration of the Opera Festival, opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The next event in the 40th Anniversary celebrations for Wexford MHA is the Gala concert in St Iberius Church on Monday October 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the WMHA offices, Henrietta Street.