Merit Awards

Mental Health Ireland introduced a Merit Award in 2009 to mark noteworthy achievements of our local Mental Health Associations.

Projects submitted were judged by an independent panel from outside the association and awards were presented at our last Annual Conference in Sheraton Hotel, Athlone in May 2009.

This project honours particular achievements but also provides an opportunity for delegates at the Conference to be made aware of new projects which could be replicated for use within their respective local MHAs.

Nenagh & District Mental Health Association won the 2010 Merit Award for the project Aras Folláin Peer Support Centre.

Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect shared responsibility and mutual agreement of what is helpful. It offers a culture of help and ability as opposed to a culture of illness and disability. Peer support allows people to think creatively and non-judgmentally about the way they experience, and make meaning of their lives. The primary goal is to responsibly challenge the assumptions about mental health and at the same time validate the individual about who they are and where they come from.

Our Objectives are:

To provide opportunities for groups and individuals to maintain wellness through peer support, social interaction, personal development and self-care programmes.
To empower group members through information and peer advocacy and to emphasise the value and uniqueness of each person and regard their different view points, experiences and cultural perspectives as a resource.
To reduce social isolation, improve self concept and promote independence thereby reducing dependence on mental health services and increase control over our own lives.
To build capacity for wellness and promote personal responsibility through recovery and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), self advocacy, personal development and life skills.

Target Group: The Centre aims to reach as many of the population as possible living in the community who are experiencing mental health difficulties or who are at risk through social isolation, disability or unemployment.

First Prize was awarded to Aras Folláin Peer Support Centre. Pictured receiving a cheque for €500 and certificate is Margot O’Donnell-Roche, volunteer coordinator for Aras Folláin Peer Support Centre and Brian Howard, CEO, Mental Health Ireland.