World Mental Health Month

World Mental Health Month takes place this October with World Mental Health Day on Sunday October 10th.

The goal of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health

This year’s theme is ‘’Mental Health in an Unequal World’. 

This theme highlights that access to mental health services remains unequal, with between 75% to 95% of people with mental health challenges in low and middle income countries unable to access mental health services at all. 

Let that sink in.

There are some of us living in the world who cannot access the support we need, when we need it, leaving basic human needs unmet.

What is a Human Library?

A human library is where people are on loan to readers rather than books to share their story and start safe conversations about their lives. The aim is to challenge preconceptions of mental health by sharing unique stories to show that no chapter is the same and to encourage people to ‘un-judge’ a book by its cover and read between the lines. 

We are inviting you to read the Human Library stories shared by our remarkable contributors below and perhaps to host your own Human Library event to celebrate World Mental Health Month by championing diversity and equality in your own world and beyond.

Choose a book from the Human Library

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Why not organise an event for your organisation this World Mental Health Month using our tool-kit

Click Here

Order your World Mental Health Month Merchandise

    Events around the country

    Our Mental Health Associations, Development Officers and Head Office teams are rolling out events, discussions and activities around the country during the month of October.

    For more information about events in your area, get in touch with our Development Officer team https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/our-staff/

    Follow what our teams are up during World Mental Health Month on social media.

    Mindfulness & Mental Health with Older People’s Council Cavan

    Wednesday 6th October: 11am – 12pm

    Zoom Presentation

    Ennis Mental Health Association World Mental Health Week Events 

    West Clare World Mental Health Week Events 

    The Living Well Programmes
    Living Well is a free online group programme delivered over six workshops (2.5 hrs x 6). It’s delivered by trained leaders, most of whom are also living with long-term health conditions. You will develop self-management skills, and confidence to live well with your health condition. For bookings, enquiries or promotional material email selfmanagementsupportsSECH@hse.ie Or ring Justin, 087 4088325

    Walk for All

    As part of Mental Health Week, The Involvement Centre, Kilkenny are planning a walk along  the banks of the River Nore. This beautiful Linear walk is from Bennettsbridge back into Kilkenny City, and is approximately 5km – suitable for moderately fit walkers.
    Date: Sunday 10th of October
    Time: 11:30 am
    Transport will be provided from The Parade, Kilkenny, meeting at 11.00am, bringing the walkers to the village of Bennettsbridge from where the walk will commence.  For anyone who’d prefer to travel directly to Bennettsbridge, the meeting point will be at Tynan’s Butcher’s at 11.30am.  Please wear suitable footwear and bring rain gear.  The walk takes approximately 2 hours in total. Your guide will be Cathal McFarlane, a volunteer in the Involvement Centre. Places can be booked in advance by phoning him on 086 0788573 by 8th Oct. All are welcome.

    Leitrim Development Company, Mental Health Ireland & HSE bring you:
    ‘The Psychology of Renewal’ with Shane Martin
    Thursday 7th Oct @ 7pm
    Register on Eventbrite here:
    https://www.eventbrite.ie/manage/events/180785001807/tickets

    Monaghan County Library & Mental Health Ireland bring you:
    ‘Returning to Normal’ – A Mindful Roadmap with Miffy Hoad
    Wed 6th Oct @ 7pm
    Attend using this link:
    https//us02web.zoom.us/j/86264547952

    ‘Stories of Recovery’ Podcast Episode 2 will be published on Fri 8th Oct.
    This is a collaboration between Mental Health Ireland & HSE Cavan Monaghan as part of the Connecting for Life strategy to reduce suicide in our communities.
    This episode is about WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan and in conversation with Miffy Hoad, Mental Health Ireland are Dermot Foley & Helen McCrarren.
    You can listen wherever you get your podcasts by searching ‘Stories of Recovery’ or here: https://audioboom.com/channels/5013394

     

    Recovery College South East schedule of events 

    • Thurles Mental Health Association in conjunction with MHI and other Mental Health Associations will be hosting an Arts & Crafts Exhibition created by service users in The Source from October 1st. The Launch is full on the first of October but the art displays will be able to be viewed for the whole month of October
    • Thurles MHA will hold a coffee morning and  information session on the 11th of October at Tar Isteach (behind the premier hall) from 12pm – 4pm.
    • North Tipperary World Mental Health Week and SNAP campaign
    • Tipperary Mental Health Association Mental Health Week Events
    • Yoga @ The Reen Glengoole: A unique one off event Friday 8th October 10.30 – 11.30 am – a lovely relaxing hour with fantastic views of Derryvilla Bog and Lake across to The Devil’s Bit. This is a free event supported by Millennium Family Resource Centre Glengoole. Contact Julie on 083 1008075.

    Virtual Human Library Coffee Morning, 15th Oct 11am-12pm.
    To register, please click here.

    Join Mental Health Ireland and Waterford Libraries to join in a virtual Human Library Coffee Morning on Friday 15th October at 11am-12pm to explore this topic more.

    Wicklow Mental Health Association will be launching its 5,000 Steps to wellbeing in Avondale House on Sunday 10th of October. It will run on the last Sunday of the month for the following 10 months!

    Wicklow MHA will also have a stand in the new library in Wicklow town promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and supplying MHI resources to the community.