Brendan McCarthy, CEO of Cork Mental Health Foundation. Photos: Brian Lougheed

Joy in the Park taking shape

There will be a carnival atmosphere in the city next month when a new event highlighting the importance of minding our mental health comes to town.

On 17 July, Joy in the Park will host its inaugural event when it takes over Fitzgerald’s Park with a full day of live music, spoken word, storytelling, children’s entertainment, circus, wellness activities, and a delicious food market.

As part of the event, a host of mental health and well-being organisations will be located in the Support Hub to offer support, information and a programme of wellness, sensory activities and workshops for all to take part in.

Cork Mental Health Foundation is the charity partner for Joy In The Park. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the charity advocates and provides support for people with mental health difficulties.

Brendan McCarthy, CEO of Cork Mental Health Foundation, said: “What we really like about this is the collaborative effort and working with all the other organisations. We have a fantastic charity base here in Cork and to be able to direct people through this event to the right services is what it's all about.”

Cork Counselling Services will be hosting a different craft workshop every hour, working with clay, collage making, mindful colouring, and mobile making. It provides counselling and psychotherapy to the highest ethical and professional standards to all members of society regardless of financial means, religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or educational background.

Members of the GROW team will be encouraging the community to join them and be part of its postcard of positivity by sharing a phrase, picture or message they can send out to the park.

In GROW, everyone is equal and equally valued and can openly share their own stories of despair and hope and listen to newcomers as each tells a new and unique story.

The Community Workers Health Action Zone Team will be hosting an afternoon of workshops including DrumFIT, combining yoga balls, wash baskets and drumsticks, tai chi sessions, and a workshop involving ‘Little Bags of Hope’.

The team supports communities and community organisations through funding, and organising initiatives that are inclusive, empowering and support the overall health of our community.

Shine aims to empower people with mental health difficulties as well as their families through support, information and education while also advocating for social change.

During the afternoon, Shine will be inviting people to help colour in their Mandela colouring canvas and contribute to the vision board as part of its wellness workshop.

Members of the Jigsaw team will be taking part in a number of art-based activities. Jigsaw is the only primary care youth mental health service provider in Ireland for young people aged 12-25. Its aim is to help create an Irish society where every young person’s mental health will be valued and supported.

MyMind has created a movement for community-based mental health services that work towards giving every person in Ireland equal access to mental health support early, affordably, directly, without stigma or delay. Therapists from the team will provide a number of wellness sessions including yoga and meditation.

Other organisations on the day include HSE Health & Well-Being Team, Pieta, The Samaritans, and Shine A Light.

It is a free event and open to the public from 12-6pm on 17 July. For more, visit joyinthepark.com.