Pictures by Ken Finegan: L-R: Aoibheann Campbell, Healthy Louth, Louth County Council; Cllr Maeve Yore; Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, Louth County Council; Kenneth Egan, MC and facilitator; Cllr Bernie Conlon; Derek Pepper, Team Leader, Shine; Patrice Matthews, Ambassador and Volunteer, SAFE Castlebellingham; Joanne O’Dwyer, Manager, Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response; Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council; at the CommUnity Connect: Together for Hope event at the Monasterboice Inn
More than 40 service providers came together in County Louth this week for an event aimed at connecting communities with mental health supports and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.
Healthy Louth held its first CommUnity Connect: Together for Hope event at the Monasterboice Inn yesterday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
Developed jointly by Healthy Louth and Healthy Meath, CommUnity Connect is a positive mental health initiative designed to connect communities with local support services and promote wellbeing and help-seeking.
The event was delivered in partnership with Rosaleen Dolan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention in Louth and Meath, and SAFE Castlebellingham, a volunteer-led organisation focused on positive mental health, wellbeing and suicide awareness.
More than 40 local services represented
Information stands showcased a wide range of services and supports available to individuals, families and communities across County Louth.
Community representatives, volunteers, health professionals and members of the public attended, giving people an opportunity to speak directly with service providers and learn more about the support available locally.
The event was hosted by former Irish Olympic silver medallist boxer Kenneth Egan, who now works in psychotherapy, mental health, addiction recovery and personal development.
Speakers included Patrice Matthews, ambassador and volunteer with SAFE Castlebellingham; Derek Pepper, team leader with Shine; and Joanne O’Dwyer, author, psychotherapist and manager of Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response.
‘Suicide prevention is a community issue’
Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge how widely mental health and suicide can affect communities.
“Today is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to reflect on a subject that affects every town, village, workplace, sports club, school and family in Ireland. Suicide prevention is not solely a health issue; it is a community issue, and events like this can help break down stigma and create pathways for others to seek support when they need it.”
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, said making people aware of the supports available locally is central to the CommUnity Connect initiative.
“A key objective of CommUnity Connect is to make people aware that support is available and that they do not have to face difficult times alone,” she said.
“By bringing services, community groups and local people together in one place, we can strengthen connections, encourage conversations and help ensure that individuals know where to turn when they need support.”
L-R: Kenneth Egan, MC and facilitator; Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, Louth County Council; Cllr Kevin Meenan; Paula Keenan, Senior Executive Officer, Louth County Council; Derek Pepper, Team Leader, Shine; Aoibheann Campbell, Healthy Louth, Louth County Council; Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council; Patrice Matthews, Ambassador and Volunteer, SAFE Castlebellingham; Joanne O’Dwyer, Manager, Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response at the CommUnity Connect: Together for Hope event at the Monasterboice Inn.
Personal stories help break down stigma
Rosaleen Dolan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention in Louth and Meath, said hearing personal stories was one of the most powerful parts of the event.
“One of the most powerful aspects of today’s event was hearing the personal stories and experiences shared by our speakers. Their honesty, resilience and willingness to speak openly about mental health and recovery can inspire others to reach out for support, start conversations and know that they are not alone,” she said.
“Every story shared helps to break down stigma and build a more supportive community.”
Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway said supporting wellbeing is an important part of the Council’s wider role in communities.
“Louth County Council recognises the vital role we play in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.
“While councils may traditionally be associated with roads, housing, planning and infrastructure, our role extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are also builders of communities, places where people live, work, learn, connect and thrive.
“That is why we are proud to support initiatives that promote mental health, social inclusion, community participation and overall wellbeing.”
Marking World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on 10th September and aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage action around suicide prevention.
It was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organization.
The international theme for 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with a focus on encouraging more open conversations and shifting attitudes around suicide and suicide prevention.
