See you all at Mallow Castle
A mental health and wellbeing event is back for a fourth year featuring a variety of entertainment, recreational activities, workshops.
Together at the Castle will take place at Mallow Castle on Sunday 7 September from 1-5pm and aims to foster a sense of community and raise awareness about the support services available for mental health and wellbeing.
The free community event is open to all and sees HSE South West continue its partnership with Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Cork County Council, Cork Mental health Foundation, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, See Change, SHINE, and An Garda Síochána.
Mayor of the County of Cork Mary Linehan Foley said: “This year the working group have worked hard to have something there for everyone at all ages therefore we are delighted to welcome all of the new activities, services and food stalls.”
Declan Cronin, Head of Mental Health Services at HSE South West, said Together at the Castle is more than just an event. “It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is a shared journey. By bringing services, communities, and individuals together in such an open and welcoming space, we’re breaking down stigma and building up support.
“Events like this show that help is not only available, but accessible, and that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. We’re proud to stand with our partners in making mental wellbeing a visible and celebrated part of community life.”
Martin Ryan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with HSE South West said: “Mallow again is leading the way in the county for showcasing services and understanding the need to bring services together to support the wider community. We in Mallow believe that we all have reasonability to carry support numbers and encourage people to take the often hardest step to seek help.”
Estelle Varney, President of Mallow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Together at the Castle has become a much-loved event that brings people of all ages together in a warm and welcoming space to learn about mental health supports, access helpful information, and enjoy a day filled with fun, colour and connection. It plays a vital role in breaking down stigma and making resources more visible and approachable for everyone in our community.”
The event aligns with See Change's national annual mental health awareness campaign, the Green Ribbon campaign, which runs throughout the month of September. See Change, a programme dedicated to ending mental health stigma and discrimination in Ireland, will celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Green Ribbon campaign this year.
Brandan McCarty CEO Cork Mental Health Foundation said: "Over the past few months, we have worked collectively to ensure that this event offers a practical and positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the local community. With the participation of up to 50 services, attendees will find something useful to engage with, or gain insight into seeking help. Our goal is to promote hope and recovery within our communities and remind people of the immense benefits of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Numerous supports are available to help us achieve that goal."
Valerie Murphy, CEO of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, said: “At Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, we continue to work closely with statutory and voluntary partners to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the North Cork region. Through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, we support individuals and communities in building a more inclusive and connected society. We’re proud to be part of this important event once again and look forward to returning to Mallow Castle this September.”