NEWS RELEASE FROM MENTAL HEALTH IRELAND

COUNTRY ON SONG FOR WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10.

With entries to date from groups in over thirty locations throughout Ireland, and more to be confirmed, the inaugural National Choral Singing Day to celebrate World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10, is proving a big draw among people who are in tune with the message that leisure activities such as singing are good for our mental health.

Events range from an invitation to join a choir in rehearsal and choral singing workshops, to performances by gospel choirs, community and school choirs, group singing in churches, shopping centres, schools, community centres and workplaces, including hospitals and day centres. A number of offices also plan to get the staff singing on World Mental Health Day – including the office of the Arts Council. (See current public event list attached.   The list contains details of all local events throughout the country, including choral events, as at Friday, 26th September, 2008.  Additional entries are expected and these will appear on the Mental Health Ireland website, www.mentalhealthireland.ie).

According to Brian Howard, Chief Executive of Mental Health Ireland, there is a serious message behind this fun event - people need to be much more pro-active, and look at new and innovative ways in caring for their mental health.

“It has been conservatively estimated that at least 10 per cent of the population are vulnerable to mental health difficulties. This may rise this winter because of the impact of the bad summer weather, worries about the economic situation, personal savings, pensions and jobs. So, in line with the theme for World Mental Health Day – “Make mental health a national priority”, we  are urging everybody to make their own mental health a greater priority this winter,” said Mr Howard.

Relatively simple activities of a group or social nature, such as singing with others, helps by counteracting feelings of loneliness, isolation or poor self worth which, for example, contribute to the most common mental health issue in Ireland - stress, he said.

Liz Powell, CEO of the Association of Irish Choirs says that recent studies have found a 100% response to the positive impact choral singing has on general well-being, particularly because of its 'feel good factor', and the associated social aspect.

"Choral singers experience at first hand the benefits of singing with others and although the National Choral Singing Day is very early in the choir rehearsal season, many choirs have readily come forward in support. Singing with a group gives individuals a great sense of confidence and well-being and is a real stress-buster. It is an opportunity for self-expression, and a fantastic social outlet but, above all, it is great fun – benefits which were highlighted during the recent enormously successful "Last Choir Standing" contest on the BBC", she said. 

Coordinating a National Choral Singing day to mark World Mental Health Day  is a joint project of Mental Health Ireland and its affiliated local Mental Health Associations, the Association of Irish Choirs and the Arts Department of Wexford County Council. Any choirs, groups or individuals who want to organise or participate in an event in their locality or workplace can get details by contacting Mental Health Ireland at info@mentalhealthireland.ie or the Association of Irish Choirs, email info@cnc.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.

The Association of Irish Choirs is the national resource organisation for choral music in Ireland. It supports and promotes choral music through a range of programmes and activities designed to respond to the needs of members, the wider choral community and the public. These  activities include running Irish Youth Choir courses and concerts; annual Choral Conducting Summer School; mentoring and masterclass opportunities for conductors; training courses for teachers; arranging singing days for schools and choirs; managing a library lending scheme; information and advice for choirs and members of the public and advocating for the development and promotion of choral music in Ireland.

Media Contacts: Mental Health Ireland: Ted Tierney, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, 01-2841166 / 087 8111835; Brian Howard, CEO, 01-2841166 / 087 2451613; or James Larkin –01-2820737/ 087 2483538.  Liz Powell, CEO, Association of Irish Choirs 086 316 2602.