Press Release from Mental Health
Ireland
To
coincide with World Mental Health Day, Mental Health
Ireland will hold
its Inaugural Young Mental Health Ireland
Conference for young people on Saturday,
10th October
2009
from 9.30 a.m. to
4
p.m. in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin.
The Conference is aimed at young people
in the age group 16 to 25. The
programme will include the Official Opening and Keynote Address by Caroline
Casey of Kanchi. Kanchi is a dynamic
social enterprise, committed to enhancing the relationship between people with
disabilities and society. Working with business and media leadership, Kanchi has
been pioneering in engaging decision makers and influencers. The organisation
was established in June 2000 by Caroline Casey, a visually impaired social
entrepreneur, as part of a major fundraising initiative involving Caroline
embarking on a 1000km trek across India on an elephant named
Kanchi. Through partnership with
Irish business, government, media and the general public, Kanchi has developed
unique and creative initiatives to change the social landscape for people with
disabilities with particular focus on business.
Other presentations will
include:
·
a Playlet/Drama around Mental Health
Issues and Young People by Wexford Youth Drama Group
A post dramatic
theatrework, devised and written by the members exploring what it is like to be
a teenager today in post-celtic tiger
Ireland. Using live music and video the play is
at times shocking, hilarious and poignant but always
truthful.
·
Presentation on
Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a free and
confidential (private) support service for young people, aged 15 - 25, in
Galway
City and County. It is
designed to promote systems of care that are more accessible, youth-friendly,
integrated, and engaging for young people. The basic premise of jigsaw is that
whatever their level of need, young people should be able to access quality
support, when they need it, in settings where they feel safe, comfortable and
respected. It is about meeting young people where they
are.
·
Presentation on “Funky Seomra” – an
alcohol and drug free dance project
Imagine yourself on a
night out in an exciting club atmosphere where you're free to dance anyway you
like without limitations, to the lush rhythms of funky global beats. With
organic cafe, stunning visuals, chill out area with giant Budda Bags, play zone
with Giant Jenga...
·
How to deal with Stigma and
Discrimination (Amnesty International)
Amnesty International
Ireland have a tremendous reputation in the arena of human rights both
nationally and internationally. MHI are delighted to have
Ms. Pippa Woolnough from Amnesty International Ireland to speak to our delegates
about the key area of Stigma and Discrimination in mental
health.
·
Open Forum
Young people will be able
to exchange views, promote ideas and inform Mental Health
Ireland on what directions it
should take into the future from a young person’s prospective.
·
Solo Artist Ian Doyle
Ian is an eminent singer
/ composer from Wexford who led the excellent group Chaplin for the last few
years before branching out as a solo artist earlier this
year.
Please note that the fee for this
conference has been waived, this is now a free conference. Complimentary lunch
will also be provided.
To register interest in joining in
this Inaugural Young Mental Health Ireland contact Camille Afchain at 01-2841166 or by
email at camille@mentalhealthireland.ie
-------------------------------------------------
Background Note: Mental Health
Ireland
is the largest national voluntary organisation promoting positive mental health
and campaigning and advocating on behalf of people with mental health
difficulties, their families and carers. MHI has over 100 affiliated
local Mental Health Associations throughout the country, which provide a variety
of supports and services.