Breaking The Silence – 2015 Let’s Talk Week Big Success!

Our *“Let’s Talk” Week from 28th September to 3rd October *promoted mental health for one week across the entire community. This week was a big success in many ways, and this press release is our unique opportunity to thank the many groups and individuals who partnered with us in making this week happen.

Cobh (Great Island) Community Centre hosted many of the events during the week and their support was absolutely excellent. Cobh Family Resource Centre partnered with us on the Holistic Therapies Evening (in aid of Syrian Refugee Fund) and the ‘80’s Themed Fancy Dress Disco, and as always their partnership was brilliant. S.W.E.L.S. Cobh Active Retirement Group were key organisers in the Over 55’s Coffee Morning which had about 100 people in attendance. Coral Leisure Centre hosted and sponsored the free yoga, spinning and pilates classes and our sincere thanks to Instructors Ber, Shane and Margo. A number of Holistic Therapists generously donated their time including Helen Geary, Anneline Dorgan, Catriona Allen, Louise O’Connor, Karen Conway, Alice McSharry, Marion Walsh and Barry White.

Former Cork Senior Football Captain Graham Canty and Player Alan Quirke opened our Thursday evening talks, followed by the very real and insightful talk from Stan Notte. Helen Prendergast (More to Explore Counselling) then gave her very practical presentation on coping with the change from 2nd to 3 rd Level Education. Founders of Sugru Child Therapeutic Support, Arlene Naughton & Lorraine Lynch gave an engaging and supportive workshop on Mindful Parenting, referencing key messages from their leading book #100HappyDays4Kids (available in various Cork bookstores). Spin Shack ran a spinathon on the Saturday and took the opportunity to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention in such a positive setting. DJ Mick Bardsley (Cobh Edition) donated his time to treat us to the sounds of the 80’s at the Fancy Dress Disco at the Ballynoe Inn, where once again Brian Miskella’s team gave us excellent support.

A number of businesses very kindly sponsored raffle prizes and other forms of sponsorship including Cork Airport Hotel, Cork International Hotel, Blush Beauty Salon, Ego Hair Salon, Individuals Boutique, Supermacs, Catriona Allen (Life Coach), Total Body Training Little Island, The Keen House, Sinead Rowe Make Up Artist, Auntie Nellie’s, The Commodore Hotel, Ballymaloe, Jeanius, Anneline Dorgan, Karen Conway, The Village Grocer (Castlemartyr), Louise O’Connor, The Ballynoe Inn, Coral Leisure Centre and Chris Leonardi.

Our sincere gratitude for all of your support and we were delighted with the opportunity to offer this week to the local community in the many different aspects of mental health. Please check our facebook page “Breaking The Silence Cobh” for details on upcoming courses in Suicide Prevention.

Kindest Regards, Avril Quinn, PRO, Breaking The Silence