HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is proud to announce the return of the hugely successful ‘Together at the Castle’ Mental Health and Wellbeing event at Mallow Castle on Sunday, 8th September.
Together at the Castle aims to foster a sense of community and raise awareness about the available support services for mental health and wellbeing. This free community event, now in its third year, stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare – in partnership with Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Cork County Council, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, AIB, See Change, Shine, Cork ETB and local Gardaí – in promoting these aims.
The event will feature an extensive array of entertainment, recreational activities, workshops and information spaces, provided by up to 50 local and regional community groups and organisations. From informative sessions to engaging workshops, the event promises something for everyone, emphasising the importance of mental and physical wellbeing across all age groups.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Pat Hayes, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, said: “I am thrilled to support this year’s ‘Together at the Castle,’ a collaborative initiative between Cork County Council, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Mallow Chamber of Commerce, and our local partners. This event exemplifies our commitment to promoting positive mental health awareness and providing crucial support services to our community.
“By combining entertainment, workshops, and informational sessions, ‘Together at the Castle’ promises to be an uplifting and informative event that highlights the importance of taking care of our mental wellbeing. Let’s shine a light on mental health, break down stigmas and build a community where everyone feels supported.”
Estelle Varney, President of Mallow Chamber of Commerce expressed her excitement, saying: “Our primary focus is to create awareness and highlight mental health supports, information and education for people from all walks of life. This event, which was initiated by our previous president, Sharon Cregg, has become an established institution that has made great strides in bringing together our local community, and connecting services and people in an accessible way. We are delighted that Sharon, who remains an active member on our board, will continue to spearhead this initiative with the same commitment and drive that has made this event the success it is, and continue to grow.”
Martin Ryan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Mallow Chamber of Commerce and Cork County Council to bring this event to the community. Over the last number of years, we have worked collectively to ensure this event offers a practical and positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the local community.
“With up to 50 services expected to attend, there will be something useful for everybody to get engaged with, and pathways on how and where to seek help. Promotion of the concepts of hope and recovery within our own communities is our key purposes with particular emphasis on being able to remind people that there are huge benefits to overall wellbeing especially by keeping physically and mentally healthy with many supports available to help us to do just that.
“It’s important that everyone is aware of the supports available to them in their community and that we can signpost people to relevant services, matching the right service with their need. I would encourage everyone to seek out local events, programmes, trainings, sports clubs and youth services available to you.
Niall O’Callaghan, Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Cork County Council said: “We are delighted once again to be delivering this event with the HSE, Mallow Chamber and our other partners. The support for this event is growing every year with its momentum spreading throughout Cork County. As well as showcasing the vital supports that are available to the public, it demonstrates the success that can be achieved through cross sector co-operation. We look forward another fantastic day at the castle and success through all of the resulting interactions and learnings.”
Valerie Murphy, Chief Executive, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership commented: “Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG are once again delighted to work in partnership with Cork County Council, the HSE and Mallow Chamber, with funding under our SICAP programme, to support Together at the Castle 2024. We look forward to meeting with members of the community and networking with a wide range agencies and support organisations on the 8th of September.”
The event also aligns with See Change’s Green Ribbon Campaign, an annual national mental health awareness drive. Now in its 11th year, this campaign aims to address the stigma associated with mental illness and normalise open conversation about the issues faced by those affected.