Laois Connects 2014 Brochure

2014 PROGRAMMEMonday 6 October – Sunday 12 October 2014Promoting Positive Mental Health & WellbeingTryingfor Mental Health

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKMONDAY 6th OCTOBERPORTLAOISEWalk with the Walk of Life Walking GroupAssemble at Portlaoise Leisure Centre10amLeisurely Walk utilising Portlaoise Sli na Slainte Route. For further details please contact:Maura Brophy on (086) 861 3833. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge.DURROWABBEYLEIXPORTLAOISEMOUNTMELLICKActive MeditationCastle Arms Hotel, Durrow10am-11.30amMary Kavanagh 200YTT will present this workshop. Yogilibrium’s ethos is geared towardsattaining balance for body, mind and spirit in an accessible and playful way. You will leaveone of Mary’s classes stretched, strengthened, relaxed, uplifted and empowered with thefoundations for instilling mindfulness off the mat and into your daily life. Bring warmcomfortable clothes, a blanket and a yoga mat if you have one.Booking Essential - Tel 057 86 74363 or by e-mail at: sports@laoiscoco.ie Free of Charge.‘Engaging with Ageing Workshop’Respond Community Centre, Gort na nÓir, Abbeyleix 10.30am-12.30pmWorkshop for older people. Hosted by Abbeyleix Active Retirement Group in conjunctionwith Laois Partnership Company. Facilitator: Finola Colgan, Development Officer, MentalHealth Ireland. Followed by tea/coffee. All Welcome. Free of Charge.HSE Child & Adolescent Mental Health ServicesPortlaoise Parish Centre11am-12pmShaista Zaidi, HSE Occupational Therapist, will deliver this information session on the supportsand services available to children and their parents. Contact CAMHS on 057 8696152 for further information. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge.“It’s ok not to feel ok”Mountmellick GAA Clubhouse7.00pmKeynote Speaker: Alan O’Mara Followed by: "Sport Your Mind" WorkshopFacilitator: Anthony O’Prey, Health Promotion Officer - HSEAlan O'Mara is a Cavan footballer and Communications Officer for SpunOut.ie. A qualifiedjournalist, in 2013 he went public about his experiences with depression which followedthe Ulster U21 winning campaign. Since then he continues to speak bravely aboutdepression and the importance of good mental health through his work with organisationslike the Gaelic Players Association, Cycle Against Suicide and SpunOut.ie.“Sport Your Mind” Workshop raises awareness of youth mental health and providesinformation to young people, parents & coaches on the supports available within thecommunity. Contact details: LSP - 057 86 71248 or John Nelson - Mountmellick GAA087 327 5527. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge.PORTARLINGTONPORTLAOISEWORLD COMMUNITYMENTAL HEALTHMOVEMENTIN IRELAND"How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children"Orchard Hotel, Portarlington7.30pmSpeaker: Paul Gilligan, CEO St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.This talk provides information and advice that enable parents, teachers and childcareproviders to interact with children in emotionally healthy ways. Talk followed by Q & A.This talk is supported by Laois Sports Partnership, Portarlington Mental Health Associationand Laois Partnership Company. All Welcome. Free of Charge.'Sole Survivors 3' Book LaunchHeritage Hotel, Portlaoise7.30pmCelebrity Book Launch by Trudi Lalor, of GROW Publication ‘Sole Survivors 3’ - PersonalStories of Recovery. All Welcome. Free of Charge.2

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKTUESDAY 7th OCTOBERPORTLAOISE‘Taking Control Workshop’Further Education Centre, Tower Hill10.00am - 3.30pmKaren Boylan, SHINE will deliver this workshop which offers the participant practical waysto face life challenges and maintaining and taking control of your physical and mentalwell-being. Booking Essential. Tel No: 086 852 5281. Free of Charge.PORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEABBEYLEIXPORTLAOISECoping with Mental Illness and RecoveryBeechaven Day Centre, St Fintan's Hospital 10.30am-12.30pmWorkshop for family members supporting persons with mental illness. Facilitator: FinolaColgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland. Hosted in conjunction with LaoisPartnership. Followed by tea/coffee. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Healthy Food for a Healthy MindLaois Traveller Action Group (LTAG) Offices 10.00am-12.30pmPeppers Court, JFL AvenueTalk and demonstration. Facilitated by Food and Health Programme in conjunction withHSE and Laois Partnership Company. All Welcome. Free of Charge.SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness) ProgrammeFamily Resource Centre, Harpurs Lane 10.00am - 1.00pmJosephine Rigney, A/Suicide Prevention Resource Officer, HSE Midlands, will deliver thisprogramme. Participants will learn the skills to recognise and engage with people who maybe contemplating suicide by using the steps of Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe.Booking Essential: Tel No: 086 815 7850. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Equine Assisted Learning - An OverviewLaois Education Centre, Block Road4pm - 5.30pmThis informative talk, delivered by staff from Festina Lente (www.festinalente.ie) willintroduce the concept of Equine Assisted Learning - what it is, who it's for and it's benefits.EAL is fast becoming a recognised way of assisting people of all ages to increase theirlevels of self-awareness and in doing so helping people to improve in areas such asself-confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills.All Welcome - no horsey experience necessary. Free of Charge.Introduction to Mindfulness, Meditation & PracticeRespond Community Centre, Mill Court, off Green Mill Lane 7.30pm-9.30pmWorkshop delivered by Suaimhneas Centre, Facilitated by Laois Partnership Company.Booking Essential: Telephone 057 86 26541. All Welcome. Free of Charge.The Kathleen Gorman Memorial LectureManor Hotel, Stone Arch Suite7.30pm-9.30pm"CREATING RESILIENCE IN CHALLENGING TIMES" Speaker: Dr Fergus Heffernan,Psychologist & Family Therapist Chair: Dr Katherine Brown, Consultant Psychiatrist. Justas simple measures - regular exercise, a sensible diet - keep your body fit, there areattitudes and skills you can develop to build a healthy mind. This presentation sets outstrategies that will stretch, strengthen and tune your mind to help you cope with therigors of everyday life. Followed by tea/coffee. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Walk with the Stepping Out Walking & Social ClubAssemble at Portlaoise Leisure Centre7.45pmTown Walk of Portlaoise utilising Sli na Slainte Route. Contact: Noel - 087 274 9536 orElizabeth - 085 788 7419. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge.3

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKWEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBERRATHDOWNEYTime to Talk Mental Health - Myths & FactsMens Shed, Old Convent School10.30am - 12.30pmWorkshop focusing on issues for men. Facilitator: Finola Colgan, Development Officer,Mental Health Ireland. Hosted in conjunction with Laois Partnership.Followed by tea/coffee. All Welcome. Free of Charge.PORTLAOISE Overview of an Involuntary Admission under the Mental Health Act 2001WOLFHILLMOUNTMELLICKPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISERATHDOWNEYPORTLAOISEWORLD COMMUNITYMENTAL HEALTHMOVEMENTIN IRELANDPortlaoise Parish Centre11.00am - 1pmAmelia Cox, Training Officer, HSE Mental Health Services, will deliver this information sessionon the services available and the procedures involved in an admission to Mental HealthServices. Booking Essential: Tel No: 086 380 2605. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Art Psychotherapy - WorkshopGlosna House Holistic Centre12.30pm - 2pmRebekah Carroll - Art Psychotherapist & Art Facilitator will deliver this interactiveworkshop which introduces the benefits of art psychotherapy in improving overall wellbeing and bringing about healing. Booking Essential: Tel No: 087 769 3966 or by e-mailat www.glosnahouse.com Free of Charge.Matinee for Mountmellick Community School Students: ZoolanderBalcony Cinema3.30pmLaughter is the best medicine! Enjoy the 2002 comedy classic Zoolander, starring BenStiller and Owen Wilson. Free Popcorn. Free of Charge.Mental Health & RelationshipsHeritage Hotel, Portlaoise7.00pmDr Trish Murphy, Psychotherapist & Irish Times Columnist, presents this talk on mentalhealth for adults under the lense of relationships, the relationship with myself, therelationship with my significant other, the relationship with someone in my life who hasmental health difficulties and the relationship with loss in later life. This presentation offerssuggestions from research and experience on how to have strong relationships that fostersgood mental health while also being very aware of self-care. Booking Essential: ContactRachel Ahearne - 01 669 0259 or by e-mail: rachel.ahearne@ogilvy.com Free of Charge.Cookery Demonstration & Related Talk by Imelda Tynan Devitt & Dr Henry O’ConnellTelfords Electrical7.30pmCookery Demonstration by Imelda Tynan Devitt, Proprietor of Tynan’s Restaurant, TheStoneyard and Leinster Express Columnist. Followed by talk on ‘Exercise and Mental Health’by Dr Henry O’Connell, HSE Consultant Psychiatrist. Proceeds to: Laois HSE Rehabilitationand Recovery Services. Tickets €10. Booking Essential: Contact: Joe Sheridan - 057 8696932. All Welcome.Primary Minds Art Project Exhibition & Introduction to Rainbow ServicesScoil Brid National School7.00pm - 8.00pmExhibition of Art Work on the theme of ‘Friendship’ in association with RathdowneyMental Health Association and local primary schools. Followed by an introduction toRainbow Services. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Information Evening/GROW Weekly Community Meeting ReLaunchPortlaoise Parish Centre8pmRelaunch of GROW Support Group. Grow Supports individuals experiencing emotionaldifficulties. Contact: John – 086 803 3126. All Welcome. Free of Charge.4

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKTHURSDAY 9th OCTOBERMOUNTRATHPORTLAOISEWOLFHILLPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEPORTARLINGTONPORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEActive MeditationSt Fintan's Hall10.00am - 11.30amMary Kavanagh 200YTT will present this workshop. Yogilibrium’s ethos is geared towardsattaining balance for body, mind and spirit in an accessible and playful way. You will leaveone of Mary’s classes stretched, strengthened, relaxed, uplifted and empowered with thefoundations for instilling mindfulness off the mat and into your daily life. Bring warmcomfortable clothes, a blanket and a yoga mat if you have one. Booking Essential: 057 8674363 or by e-mail at: sports@laoiscoco.ie Free of Charge.Stress in our Lives! - How we manage and copePortlaoise Parish Centre10.30am - 12.00pmAlex Anagnostaras - HSE Senior Clinical Psychologist, will deliver a talk that will be ofinterest to those who experience high levels of stress, worry, anxiety or who are feelinglow and finding it difficult to cope. Practical tips and skills which can be immediatelyapplied to life will be provided. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Practicing Mindfulness - WorkshopGlosna House Holistic Centre12.30pm - 2pmDee Hennessy delivers this 90 minute mini workshop on the benefits of mindfulness inimproving overall well being and bringing about healing. Booking Essential: Tel No: 087769 3966 or by e-mail at: www.glosnahouse.com Free of Charge.Introduction to Mindfulness for Emotional WellbeingYouth Cafe, JFL Avenue1pm - 2pmPresented by: Claire O’Rourke, Family Therapist and Mindfulness Trainer with Ana LiffeyDrug Project (Midlands). This one hour workshop introduces the Mindfulness MeditationPractice – a practice that is increasingly being recognised for improving emotional well-beingand reducing stress. Booking Essential: Tel No: 085 740 4788. Free of Charge.Internet Safety & Cyber Bullying WorkshopPortlaoise Library, Lyster Square6.30pmJohn Wills, Education Officer, Barnardo’s will deliver this workshop for parents, teachersand students. Bullying and cyberbullying is a growing area of concern, however, equippedwith up to date information, one can ensure they are fully informed. This programme issuitable to students of both junior and senior cycle. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Introduction to Mindfulness for Emotional WellbeingTreo Nua, Harpurs Lane7.00pm - 8.00pmPresented by: Claire O’Rourke, Family Therapist and Mindfulness Trainer with Ana LiffeyDrug Project (Midlands). This one hour workshop introduces the Mindfulness MeditationPractice – a practice that is increasingly being recognised for improving emotional wellbeingand reducing stress. Booking Essential: Tel No: 085 740 4788. Free of Charge.Port Project Suicide Awareness Prevention Campaign LaunchRugby Club, Portarlington7pmCelebrity Launch of H.I.T. 'Help is There' DVD. For further details contact: David Molloyon: 086 042 3547. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge. PortprojectCD & Video Launch: ‘A Song for Craig’Treo Nua, Harpurs Lane8pmLaunch of song and accompanying video produced by local young people.Co-ordinated by: Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. All Welcome. Free of Charge.Walk with the Stepping Out Walking & Social ClubAssemble at Portlaoise Leisure Centre7.45pmTown Walk of Portlaoise utilising Sli na Slainte Routes. Contact: Noel - 087 274 9536or Elizabeth - 085 788 7419. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge.5

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKFRIDAY 10th OCTOBERSTRADBALLYMusic TherapyArthouse, Old Courthouse10.00am - 13.00pmAlison Sweeney, Music Therapist, will deliver these interactive workshops.Alison specialises in paediatric rehabilitation, special needs and care of older adults.First Workshop: 10am - 11.30am for Mothers & TotsSecond Workshop: 11.30am - 1pm for Older Adults.Booking Essential: Tel No: 057 86 74363 or by e-mail at: sports@laoiscoco.ieSnacks Provided. Free of Charge.PORTLAOISEPORTLAOISEWOLFHILLBORRIS-IN-OSSORYTHE SWANRATHDOWNEYHealthy Reading at your Local LibraryPortlaoise Library11.00am‘Books can Heal’ Find out more about Healthy Reading titles at your local Library.All Welcome. Free of Charge.Enhancing our Coping Skills to Stay WellPortlaoise Parish Centre11.00amCoping skills are methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations. Obtaining andmaintaining good coping skills take practice and are essential in maintaining positivemental health & wellbeing. Facilitators from Triogue Centre, Portlaoise.All Welcome. Free of Charge.Healing with AngelsGlosna House Holistic Centre12.30pm - 2pmCC Vos will introduce you to the benefits of Angelic Healing in improvingoverall well being and bringing about healing.Booking Essential: Tel No: 087 769 3966 or by e-mail at: www.glosnahouse.comFree of Charge.Music TherapySt Canices Hall3.00pm - 6.00pmAlison Sweeney, Music Therapist, will deliver these interactive workshops.Alison specialises in paediatric rehabilitation, special needs and care of older adults.First Workshop: 3pm - 4.30pm for Primary School Children.Second Workshop: 4.30pm - 6pm for Older Adults.Booking Essential: Tel No: 057 86 74363 or by e-mail at: sports@laoiscoco.ieSnacks Provided. Free of Charge.The Swan 7k WalkAssemble at Swan Cross7pmThe Swan 7K walk. For further details please contact: Padraig Fleming on (087) 2801677. Booking not required. All Welcome. Free of Charge."Creating Effective Families"Marian Centre7.30pmSpeaker: Dr Fergus Heffernan, Psychologist & Family Therapist.The quality of our family life is being constantly eroded by the fast paced, anxiety ridden worldwe have learned to live in. This presentation brings you to a new way of understanding howanxiety plays out in families and offers new insights into how to manage it within the familycontext.Followed by Tea/Coffee. All Welcome. Free of Charge.6

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKSATURDAY 11th OCTOBERWOLFHILLNurturing Women - WorkshopGlosna House Holistic Centre12.30pm - 2pmAvril Tierney will deliver this mini workshop on the benefits of Nurturing Womensupport groups in improving overall well being and bringing about healing.Booking Essential: Phone Tel No: 087 769 3966or by e-mail at: www.glosnahouse.comFree of Charge.EMO COURTEmo Court 4K WalkAssemble at Emo Community CentreEmo Court 4K walk.For further details please contact Catriona Slattery on: 087 297 5266.Booking not required.All Welcome. Free of Charge.11.00amMENTAL HEALTH WEEKSUNDAY 12th OCTOBERKILLESHINKilleshin 5k WalkAssemble at Killeen Community Hall, beside school.Killeshin 5K Walk.For further details please contact:Jody on (086) 364 6303 or Liam on (087) 647 1134Booking not required.All Welcome. Free of Charge.10.30amLUGGACURRENROSSMOREPORTLAOISELuggacurran 8k walkAssemble at Luggacurren Community HallLuggacurren 8K walk.For further details please contact: Olive Lacey on (086) 156 7758.Booking not required.All Welcome. Free of Charge.Rossmore 6.5k WalkAssemble at Oisin Park, RossmoreFor further details please contact: Pat Whelan on (086) 165 7435.Booking not required.All Welcome. Free of Charge.Coffee MorningPortlaoise Parish CentreCoffee Morning hosted by Midlands Living Links(Suicide Bereavement Support Services) after 10.00am Mass.All Welcome. Free of Charge.11.00am12.30pm10.30amPROMOTING POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEINGMental Health Week - 6th to 12th October 21047

MENTAL HEALTH WEEKEVENTS RUNNING THROUGHOUT THE WEEK...PORTLAOISE First Fortnight National Mental Health Street Art Trail 2014-2015Leisure CentreIn partnership with Laois County Council and Mental Health Ireland, First Fortnightproudly present one of Ireland's most established and leading street artists ADWcollaborating with a local community group in creating unique street art at PortlaoiseLeisure Centre. A determined creative and social activist, ADW's stencil art has gracedwalls in cities and towns around Ireland, Europe and the US. With his distinctive stylehe reflects the everyday hopes, fear and anger of ordinary people. This project is part ofthe ongoing work that First Fortnight undertake in challenging mental health prejudiceand stigma through the creative arts. For more information on other events taking placearound Ireland please visit: firstfortnight.ieBooking not required.VIEWING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 6-10 OCTOBER 2014LAOISThe Power of Words - Healthy Reading at your Local LibraryLaois Library ServiceLaois Libraries have a selection of books that can help you cope with everyday stresses andtap into your own skills and develop new ones. Please see the following link for furtherinformation www.laois.ie/LeisureandCulture/Libraries/LibraryActivities/Bibliotherapy/Free of Charge.PORTLAOISEPortlaoise Healthy Towns ProgrammePortlaoiseCheck out Portlaoise Healthy Towns Event Programme for details of additional activitiesrunning during Laois Connects Week. Contact: Rachel Ahearne – 01 669 0259 or bye-mail: rachel.ahearne@ogilvy.comFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Community & Enterprise Section,Laois County Council, Portlaoise, Co Laois.Tel No: 057 86 64227E-mail: community@laoiscoco.iewww.laois.ie/YourCouncil/Departments/CommunityandEnterprise/LaoisConnectsEvery effort has been made to ensure that the details listed here are accurate.However, we do not have control over changes to events planned by other organisations.Promoting Positive Mental Health & WellbeingTemple Printing Co. Ltd., Athlone